Artichoke Cheese Spread

Southern Living

Makes 8 servings

• 16 ounces cream cheese softened                                  
• 1/4 cup fine chop green onions                                  
• 14 ounces artichoke hearts drain, fine chop                     
• 1 cup parmesan cheese                                           
• 2 cloves pressed garlic                                         
• 2 tablespoons olive oil                                         
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice                                        
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes                           
• 3/4 cup bottled, roasted red bell peppers drain, chop           
• Various crackers, veggies for dipping                          

PREP: 25 MIN / CHILL: 2 HRS.

STIR together cream cheese and green onion tops, blending well; set aside. STIR together artichoke hearts and next 5 ingredients.

SPREAD one-third of cream cheese mixture on bottom of a 4-cup glass bowl lined with plastic wrap. Layer with half of chopped roasted bell peppers, 3/4 cup artichoke mixture, and one-third of cream cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining chopped roasted bell peppers, artichoke mixture, and cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

INVERT onto a serving plate, and remove plastic wrap. Serve over lettuce with bread slices and bell pepper strips. Garnish, if desired.

MXF