Behold, Our Christmas Tree.

Pictured above is our beloved 2009 Christmas tree - isn't she a beauty?  

Artichoke (HEAVEN) Dip

Last week, there was a holiday potluck at work.  Yep, that's right, twelve floors overflowing with savory appetizers and the season's best desserts.  It was a shame that I couldn't get away with elastic banded pants that day, a damn shame.  Since introducing my artichoke dip, I've literally had ten people stop me in the halls to ask for the recipe.  It's truly a mouthwatering experience and comes together QUICKLY!  So if you're looking for a quick appetizer on the fly, I've got it...below.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 (14 oz.) cans water-packed artichoke hearts, well drained, chopped

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1 1/2 cups finely grated high-quality Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sliced green onion

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme OR 3/4 teaspoons dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more as needed

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the cheese, 1/3 cup of green onion, the garlic, thyme, kosher salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.  Mix and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

3. Transfer mixture to 8-inch square glass baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese overtop.

4. Cover and bake until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Increase the heat to broil and cook until the top is bubbly and golden brown, another 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining green onion just before serving.

7. Enjoy with warm bagel or pita chips, French bread slices or crackers!

Do-Ahead: The dip can be assembled one day ahead but not cooked.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

This delicious recipe came from one of my favorite cookbooks as seen here.  Every single recipe that I've tried (quite a few now!) has be amazing.  It would make a great holiday gift for a cook, even for someone who isn't a "bride" or "groom"...and it's on sale - bonus!

My Favorite Ornaments.

Once my parents married, my Grandma W. began a tradition and gave them an ornament each year for Christmas and while she is no longer with us, her tradition continues.  I give my parents an ornament every year as part of their gifts and since Andy and I have been married, I've given him one each year with a hand-written letter tucked inside its box.

Back in 2007, I was the hunt for an amazing ornament to kick-off my married Christmases with Andy and I happen to stumble upon one from Ne' Qwa Art in a little independent gift shop.  I have been buying Ne' Qwa ornaments ever since; they are absolutely beautiful and truly works of art.