Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Dinner with Spike - definitely "Good Stuff"

A couple weeks ago I attended a dinner at the National Press Club featuring Spike Mendelsohn, one of DC's current local celebrities (a former Top Chef-er).  He owns and operates Good Stuff Eatery (http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/), located on Capitol Hill, with his family and friends.  If you've never been, GO, and I can now definitively say that you should try the President Obama burger - yum! 

On all of my visits to Good Stuff thus far, I have ordered the same thing - the Farmhouse Bacon Cheeseburger and Fries...and sometimes the Toasted Marshmallow milkshake, affectionately referred to by many as "campfire in a cup", seriously, when you try it you'll understand.

After that dinner, I will definitely be exploring the menu more.  The dinner consisted of a 5-course meal, plus a reception with finger foods beforehand, plus a copy of Spike's newly released cookbook.  Did I mention that each of the 5 courses actually was at least 3 items?!  I was so full when I left that I decided to hoof-it the 2 miles home in order to avoid rolling on the floor and groaning while rubbing my belly!



A few things we had that you shouldn't miss.....chili and cornbread (particularly the cornbread - SO GOOD!), the classic wedge salad, the Milky Way Malt milkshake and of course the President Obama burger.  For all of you non-red meat eaters out there, you can get any of their sandwiches with grilled chicken instead. 
Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Spinach & Artichoke Dip - A Special Request

For years now my staple dish for family holidays, BBQ's, birthdays, or Sunday Funday with my friends has been my hot spinach & artichoke dip.  It’s deliciously cheesy and garlicky, and conveniently, very low carb (though not exactly low fat)!  Sure I've brought other dishes to some of these events, but I consistently get requests for this dip....well, this dip and my homemade chicken nuggets, but that's a separate post.

This particular request was from my sister.  She very graciously helped me design this blog as I am far from computer literate.  Her only stipulation was that I post this recipe.  So sis, I am finally delivering on that promise.  Enjoy and thanks again!!


Ingredients:
Recipe adapted from a Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer many years ago

1 can artichoke hearts in water
1 10oz. package frozen chopped spinach (my addition, original recipe was just artichokes)
1 cup mayonnaise (I use Hellmann’s Light)
1 cup shredded parmesan/romano blend
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions:
Thaw spinach and squeeze out all excess water.  Drain water from artichokes and cut into small pieces.  Mix spinach, artichokes, garlic, mayo, parmesan/romano cheese and ½ cup mozzarella in a large mixing bowl.  Stir well.  Pour into a small glass baking dish (about 7”x5”) and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup mozzarella and red pepper.  Bake at 375° for about 25 min or until cheese is bubbling and browned.


* For enough to fill a 9”x13” dish, you will need to make about 3x this recipe.