Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip and a Message to My Sister

I was craving this yesterday, so I made it. My son loves to use it as a sandwich spread. I just love to eat it on bread. It always tastes better after being in the refrigerator overnight.


Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 – 12 ounce package of spinach (fresh or frozen)
1 – can artichoke bottoms (not marinated) - chopped
12 ounces sour cream
1 jalapeño pepper – finely diced
4 green onions - sliced
2 tsp fresh chives – chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
¼ cup sliced almonds
Hard rolls, baguettes, or crackers

I prepare the other ingredients while the spinach is cooking.

Make sure to cover your hand with a glove or with a baggie when you chop the hot pepper, or you will regret it later.

Steam spinach until tender, drain on paper towels – use paper towels to remove most of the water from the spinach. Chop spinach.

In medium bowl combine first nine ingredients – stir well.

Refrigerate for several hours or over night.

Serve on thin slices of hard rolls, baguettes, or crackers.

My dear sweet little sister has been going through her own personal Gethsemane lately. I want to tell her how proud I am of her being able to set healthy boundaries. I know it has been hard on her because many people in our family are not used to seeing her stand up, make her own choices, and refuse to allow others to step on her or tear her down. I want her to know that she is incredibly strong. She may get tired of always needing to be strong, but we come from tough stock.

A message to my sister: “Remember our cousin who left the polygamist cult several years ago? She left with no support from her family. Our family was even disgusted with her mother for not being more supportive of her. But you know what, she left, she even fought off cancer, and she is happy and strong. You will find strength you never knew you had – just as our cousin did. When she left the cult and hid out at my house she was an emotional mess. She is now one of the strongest people I know. I admire her for her tenacity. You have come such a long way. I am glad you don’t allow people to use emotional blackmail against you anymore. I’m glad you are being treated like a person instead of an object. I know you are tired from working two jobs to support your children. I know you are frustrated with dealing with people who don’t seem to hear you, but it will get better. Although some in our family are not supportive of the choices you have made to improve your life, I want you to know that I will always have your back, and that I will always love you. I am thankful that you are my sister.”