CPK's Spinach Artichoke Dip

All I can say is YUM! I've made many versions of spinach artichoke dip, but this one really takes the cake. It does take a few ingredients, and some time to make, but It's Worth It! Suzie made this to go along with the cookies for our holiday cookie exchange, and I liked it so much I just had to have it again! I made it for the Tostitos National Championship game and Brandon and I polished off a good portion of it all by ourselves. It was even good reheated the next day. :)

-Suzie Irwin

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup diced white or yellow onion
1 ½ tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup flour
1 ½ cup chicken stock
1 ½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dehydrated chicken stock base or crumbled bullion cubes
1 ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup sour cream
12 ounces frozen spinach, defrosted, drained, wrung out by hand and coarsely chopped
6 ounces canned artichoke bottoms, drained and cut into 1/8 inch slices
1 cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¾ teaspoon Tabasco Sauce (I'd use a little less next time)
Blue and white corn tortilla chips

In a large saucepan, warm olive oil and butter together over medium heat. When butter has melted, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring frequently and stopping before the onion and garlic brown.

Sprinkle the flour and continue cooking, stirring continuously, until the mixture turns a golden blonde color, 10 to 15 minutes. Then, whisking continuously, slowly pour in the stock until it is smoothly incorporated. When the mixture begins to simmer, stir in the cream. Let it return to the simmer. Add the Parmesan, chicken base or cubes, lemon juice and sugar and stir until thoroughly blended.

Add the sour cream, spinach, artichoke bottoms, Monterey Jack cheese and Tabasco sauce and stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese in melted. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and serve immediately, accompanied by blue and white corn tortilla chips