Artichoke Trivia

In the U.S., Artichokes were first grown in Louisiana, brought there by settlers in the 19th century.

In 1947, Marilyn Monroe was crowned the First Queen of Artichokes.

Castroville, CA is known as the Artichoke Capital of the world. (It is where Norma Jean (Marilyn Monroe) was crowned the Artichoke Queen in 1947).

Cynar(part of the Artichoke) is an Artichoke flavored aperitif made in Italy.

Artichokes are actually a flower bud, part of the thistle family; if allowed to flower, blossoms measure up to seven inches in diameter and are a violet-blue color.

My recipe today comes from a cookbook not found on my Amazon website.  .www.amazon.com/stores/oneofakindcookbooks . But you can buy it from me directly at crazyvalbrown@yahoo.com   for $7.99, plus $3.99 s&h. Quick & Easy Cooking for All Seasons featuring Ultrex. Ultrex is a kitchen appliance.  This is a quick appetizer recipe that I have used for my last few parties that I have been to.  Everyone loves it and wants the recipe to make themselves.

Hot Artichoke Dip
1 cup mayonnaise
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
2 green onions, minced

Combine the mayonnaise, cheese, artichoke hearts and onions in a medium saucepan.  Stir and cook over low heat, until the cheese has melted and the ingredients are well-blended.  Serve warm with tortilla chips.

I used a small crock pot to combine and melt the ingredients-it took about a hour, but even after unplugging stayed hot for a long time.

Just to let you know, the book has some water damage, but nothing that affects the recipes.

Also, many of you knew that I went on a Trans-Atlantic Cruise 2 weeks ago.  It was so much fun and I met so many nice people that I am going again next April.  April 20th with Celebrity Cruises, again from Ft. Lauderdale to Rome, but now with stops in Gibraltar, Madeira (both off of the African coast), Sicily, Sardinia and Naples.  Can't wait for the next one!