Artichoke and Green Chile Dip

I haven't shared any recipes in quite some time. I thought I would share this one. I made an artichoke and green chile dip for the Christmas party Casey and I attended this past weekend. The dip was a big hit! I was a little worried about it, because I have never made it before, but it turned out to be edible and tasty.

Here's the recipe:

2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
14 ounces artichoke hearts -- drained and chopped
4 ounces chopped green chiles -- drained
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese -- Plus
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Vegetable cooking spray or butter
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh green chile slices -- (optional)
diced tomatos -- (optional)

Combine mayonnaise and yogurt in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth.

Add chopped artichoke hearts and next 4 ingredients, stirring well.

Spoon mixture into a 1-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray or greased with butter. Bake, uncovered, at 350F for 25 minutes.

Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat (with electric oven door partially opened) 1 1/2 minutes or until lightly browned. Garnish with green chile slices or diced tomatos, if desired. Serve with whole wheat toast points, breadsticks, unsalted crackers, or Melba rounds.

SIDE NOTE: Next week I am tackling another new recipe, Rum Balls! I have always wanted to bring these to a Christmas gathering. I'll let you know how it all goes. I also made progress in my fudge making this year. Last year I used a recipe that did not include marshmellow cream and I didn't let it get hot enough, so while the concoction was indeed very tasty, it had to be eaten with a spoon straight out of the pan. This year I found a new recipe and followed the directions more precisely, and Voila! fudge appeared just in time for the Christmas party. I love it when that happens :)

P.s. yes we found out the sex of the baby, I am not posting just yet, but will be soon!