Go green with a dip and dessert the whole family will love



MILWAUKEE -- There a lot to celebrate today -- not only is it National Artichoke Day -- Saturday is St. Patrick's Day. Registered dietitian Erica Cleven joins Real Milwaukee with recipes to celebrate both days with your whole family.

Artichoke and Spinach Dip
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients


    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish.
    2. In a medium bowl, beat the Neufchatel cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan and Romano cheeses, mozzarella cheese, garlic, basil, salt and cayenne pepper until blended.
    3. Squeeze the spinach to get the water out or it can make your dip runny.
    4. Add artichokes and spinach to cheese mixture.
    5. Transfer to the greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and the cheese is all warm and gooey.
    6. Serve with sliced raw vegetables, whole wheat baguette slices, whole wheat crackers or pita wedges.

    Kids:


      Adults:


        Minty Mini Cheesecakes
        Makes 10 mini-cakes
        Time 20 minutes plus 1 hour standing time

        Ingredients


          Equipment:


            Directions
            In large mixing bowl, beat Neufchatel cheese, yogurt, syrup and mint extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add green food coloring one drop at a time until desired color. Divide mixture evenly between ramekins. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

            Kids:


              Adults: