Chilled Spinach Arichoke Dip

   Still trying to decide what to make for that fast approaching party tonight?  This is a quick and crowd pleasing dip that will have people clamoring for the carrots.  Yes, it is so good, everyone will want to eat their veggies!  It's a take on a classic, fatty restaurant appetizer but you could eat a whole bowl of this and still have consumed less fat and calories than the kitschy, chain restaurant version.

   Even if you don't like spinach or artichokes, chances are you like spinach artichoke dip.  It's a culinary conundrum, but whatever the reason people just can't seem to get enough of this 70s creation.  My version is not only healthy it is easy to take to a party because it isn't hot.  No messing with someone else's oven or bothering with a crock pot.  Also, it doesn't have to be meticulously chilled because there is no mayonnaise in it.  It's perfect at room temperature.

   I like to have this on hand at home for snacking because it will keep in the fridge for up to 10 days.  I can just grab some and a few veggies and munch away guilt-free!  It is a little more on the expensive side to make, but it works out to only $0.50/serving.  And you can totally leave out the goat cheese; that will knock about $2 off the cost and cut a few more calories.

Sorry that isn't all fancy right now.

Chilled Spinach Artichoke Dip

6 oz Greek yogurt (plain, fat free)
2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
2 oz goat cheese, softened
1/4 C grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp minced garlic
1 can artichokes in water, drained and chopped
5 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out

   Combine cheese and yogurt.  Mix in veggies and garlic.  Serve with carrots, celery, and cucumber slices.
   Makes 3 C.  Serves about 12.  In a party setting, it is probably enough for 20.
Per 1/4 C serving:  Calories 50, Fat 0.5 g, Protein 4 g, Total Carb 3 g
Daily Values:  Vit A 10%, Calcium 6%
Total Ingredient Cost:  $6.00

If you really want something crunchy and salty with the dip, I suggest:
Nabisco Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain Toasted Chips

Serving size: 13 "chips"
Calories 130, Fat 5 g, Total Carb 19g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g,
DV: Calcium 4%, Iron 4%

OR

Snyders of Hanover Pretzels Old Fashioned Dipping Sticks

Serving Size: 14 sticks
Calories 120, Fat 1 g, Total Carb 24, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g