So, Where Did I Go Wrong?

  We had our close friends and neighbors, Isla and Jeff (also participants in our annual New Year's Day Brunch) for dinner this past weekend.  Isla and Jeff are currently in recovery...  Jeff gave Isla his kidney.  Surgery was the last week of March.  They are both doing very well, and it was the first time we were able to get together for dinner since they returned home.

                                            (they look good, don't they?)

  We withstood the change in temperature outdoors with drinks and appetizers on the patio (next to a blazing fire) before we headed indoors for dinner and the warmth of the dining room.  I made an artichoke dip that has become a big favorite of mine.  This isn't your predictable artichoke dip recipe from  church or junior league cookbooks.  I found this recipe in Saveur magazine and it has quite the kick to it. Thank the cayenne pepper and lemon juice for that. 
  So, Where did I go wrong?... One of my daughters  (and I won't reveal which one) asked me what it was she was eating and I told her artichoke dip.  Her reply... "I knew it was fish!"  I have some work ahead of me...

                                   HOT ARTICHOKE DIP
                                          adapted from Saveur magazine

• 2  14-ounce cans artichoke hearts
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 teaspoons organic lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

•  Drain the artichoke hearts and chop in the bowl of a food processor.  Add the Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and cayenne; puree until smooth.  Season with salt and pepper and pulse to combine.  Taste and test for seasonings.  Place in a gratin dish ( can be prepared up to this point 2 days ahead).  Sprinkle generously with additional Parmesan and bake at 400˚F until heated and golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.