Starting off the new year right!

I've been cleaning up the blog and adding labels to posts. I use to never label posts because they all had to do with our fertility treatments pretty much.

To start off the new year, we are going to a NYE party with some friends. I am going to bring jello shots and Spinach Artichoke Dip. And here are the recipes for you!

Jello Shots - from drinkstreet.com
6 oz Jello (large package)
16 oz Water (boiling)
6 oz Water (cold)
10 oz Vodka

Mix the jello mix with boiling water until the powder is fully dissolved and add the cold water and alcohol. Pour the cooling mixture into shot glasses or paper cups. I prefer to buy 2 oz plastic cups with lids. That way I can mark what flavor they are and they stack in the fridge.

The Art & Science of the Jello Shot - still from drinkstreet.com
You can make jello shots with almost any type of alcohol, but you should adjust the proportions of alcohol and cold water to ensure that the shot still sets. The higher the proof of the alcohol, the more water that is required for it to set.

Proof: 30-50
Alcohol: 13 oz
Cold Water: 3 oz

Proof: 80-100
Alcohol: 10 oz
Cold Water: 6 oz

Proof: 150-200
Alcohol: 6 oz
Cold Water: 10 oz

My favorite flavors to make:
Peach Jello with Peach Schnapps
Raspberry Jello with Razzmatazz
Cherry Jello with Vanilla Vodka
Strawberry Jello with Malibu Rum
Lime Jello with Tequila

Spinach Artichoke Dip:
16 oz cream cheese - softened
1 pk of Green Giant Frozen Spinach Drained (Don't cheap out, buy Green Giant!)
1 jar marinated Artichoke Hearts Drained
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
3-4 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Splash of olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small skillet, saute garlic in olive oil until golden brown.
In a bowl mix cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic and 2 cups of cheese.
Pour mixture into pan. I usually use a pie plate or 9 x 9 Pyrex dish.
Top with remaining cheese. Depending on the size of the dish you use you will need more or less cheese.
Bake in oven for 30 min or until golden brown on top.
Serve while warm.

I serve this with wheat thins or triscits. Regular tortilla chips aren't hefty enough for it. If you are feeling extra special, you can take a long skinny loaf of Italian bread and make little toast slices.