New Artichoke Dip

There was some talk in my party food posts about my new Artichoke Dip, pictured here straight from the oven.

I do already have an artichoke dip recipe (p.58) in The Everyday Vegan and I also use that dip in the Artichoke Puffs recipe (p.59) using phyllo pastry (which we really love)! (oh, and fyi phyllo IS forgiving guys, give it a go sometime, it's not that scary to use... truly!!)

With this dip I wanted to do something different. First, most artichoke dips have spinach. Second, almost all have either tofu cream cheese or tofu mayonnaise (or both). I didn't want to use any of this. No spinach, just because I felt like taking a different angle on it. No tofu cream cheese or mayonnaise because I was intent on making this dip a winner without relying on these more processed foods.

It's not that we don't ever use tofu mayo/cream cheese. Not being a food purist here. I simply got the idea in my head and... watch out! Stubborn vegan food mama gets going! (Same thing has happened with other recipes, like my Fudgy Brownies from Vive... tested those about 20+ times until I got the fudgy, sinful brownie that I had longed for!)

Ok, so, I figured it out and this dip indeed is a hit! Hubby can eat half the batch on his own (and this is a big dip), and it disappeared fast at the party!


Here's a pic before adding the breadcrumb topping, and then another spooning out some to spread on pitas.

Cooking Note: When should you use jarred marinated artichokes and when to use canned?...

Well, my preference is to use marinated when you want to have a seasoned artichoke stand out, usually in whole form, such as to top pizza or in pastas. For dips, casseroles canned artichokes are best (imo), because they don't carry the flavor of the marinated oil and herbs that can overpower your recipe. Of course, canned artichokes will work just fine in pastas/pizza, and you can season them yourself, tossing in olive oil, s&p, and herbs if you like. That leads me to a question... I have never seen frozen artichokes, though I have heard they are available - somewhere! Any of you found them/use them?