Coaching Cooking

This is not an easy recipe to make. Often it depends on what you have on hand and whether you can put some ingredients together that will satisfy a hungry heart. Sometimes all you need is chocolate while other times you could eat a feast enough for ten.

For me, it is sometimes shocking to realize that food alone is not enough to satisfy the hungry soul (and being a die-hard foodie, I’ve tried to find that ultimate food, uh-huh…).

Recipe for Happiness:

Ingredients:

The right mixture of loved ones (add more as needed)
A delicious dish that you love to prepare and to serve (see ideas below)
A comfortable setting (home, the beach, the park, anywhere where you feel safe and at ease)
A willingness to remain in the moment (leave work worries in your work bag!)

Directions:

First, contact the loved ones by gathering them and arranging to meet them in the comfortable setting. Turn off your cell phone (setting it on vibrate doesn’t count!). Then prepare your delicious dish carefully and intently. Arrive at the comfortable setting and enjoy the company of your loved ones while dining on a delicious dish. Remain in the moment! The best memories are often the ones that arise from the pleasure of being surrounded by camraderie, good conversation, and–of course–good food.

Delicious Dishes: There are endless possibilities, but I’ve listed a few of my favorite dishes to serve when I want to spend time with the people I love.

**Artichoke Dip with Baguette Slices**

Ingredients:

1 16-oz can of artichoke hearts, drained and set aside
2 cloves of garlic, minced finely
3/4 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, plus a 1/4 cup
salt and pepper to taste
1 baguette, cut into thin slices

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a small baking dish and set aside. Chop the artichoke hearts into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, mix together the garlic, mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Add the artichokes and mix thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper and mix once more. Place the artichoke dip in the small baking dish. Top the artichoke dip with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Wrap the baking dish with tin foil and place in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip is very hot. Remove the tin foil and continue baking for a few minutes until the dip is brown and slightly crisp on top (about 5 minutes more). Serve immediately with the baguette slices. This dip also pairs well with baby carrots or crackers.

*Note*: You can also add Durkee’s French-Fried Onions on top of the dip in the last 5 minutes.

Enjoy!