Artichokes

I love artichokes. I know that most of you out there have never even tried one so here is a link with some directions on how to cook and eat an artichoke. Using that links directions they cut off the tips of each leaf which might make things easier but the real way to eat them is by pulling each leaf off and scraping the bottom with your teeth. The tip is pointed and a bit sharp so be careful, if you are not used to eating an artichoke then by all means cut the tips off but you don't actually need to. You can dip the rounded side of the artichoke in melted butter to add a bit more flavor if you would like. You can eat a steamed artichoke hot or cold, it just depends on how you like it. Don't forget to eat the artichoke heart! It's the best part. My Mom, sister, and I used to fight over it when sharing an artichoke together, that's how great they are.

There are many different recipes that call for artichokes or artichoke hearts. We make Hot Spinach and Artichoke dip, which is great for parties or even just a fun day trip. You don't have to eat it hot but it is best that way.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup mozzarella
1 cup parmesan
garlic powder
10 oz thawed, frozen chopped spinach
large can artichoke hearts (not marinated)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (not dressing)

Mix together in bowl and put in oven at 350F for 20-30 minutes, until golden on top.

Cooking Catastrophes

Everyone has had them but is too embarrassed to admit to them. That doesn't work in my family, however, because they usually happen when everyone else is around or walking through the kitchen. Here are a couple that I guess I can share with the world, even though my Mom has probably already told someone you know.

Catastrophe 1
About 6 years ago, you have to remember I was 14 at the time, my mom called as she was on her way home from work and asked me to make pasta and leave it on the stove when it was done in case she wasn't home yet. So as a good daughter, I made the pasta and left it on the stove...but did not drain the pasta before leaving it there for the next 10 minutes to just sit in the water. It turned to mush and I haven't lived it down. My mom and my sister bring it up quite often...and it is always to someone that is about to eat a dinner that I either made or had a hand in making.

Catastrophe 2
This happened about 4 days ago actually. I was trying to copy my friends frosting recipe because I hate butter cream frosting but she was able to make it taste pretty good. So I just copied from what I saw...turns out I used way too much Crisco and had to go buy more powdered sugar to make up for it...in the middle of mixing it all. So I had to go out and buy more powdered sugar while my mom tried to salvage what I had ruined. It was a disaster and it still tastes like regular gross butter cream frosting so I will pass on eating it. It is now in a huge tuber-ware in my garage fridge where no one has to see it or remember that it is there.

If you have any Cooking Catastrophes to share let me know so I don't feel like a complete failure when it comes to cooking at times hahaha =)