An Oscar Worthy Recipe

I'm a big fan of the Oscars, well any awards show for that matter. I really just like having an excuse to throw a party and awards shows are perfect for that! My roommate and I had intended on having an Oscars party, but due to her work schedule and a cold that doesn't seem to want to leave my body we cancelled. However, sticking with my resolution I still cooked some of what I was planning on doing for the party!

The main dish I made was Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip. I based it off of this recipe, but decided to make it as close to dairy-free as possible. I still used some regular cheese, but substituted Tofutti brand cream cheese and sour cream and it actually turned out great!

Ingredients:

2 containers (8 ounces each) of Tofutti cream cheese, softened

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup Tofutti sour cream

1 15-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed

10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained of excess moisture

3/4 cup parmesan romano cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine first six ingredients using a wooden spoon.

Add 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese and spread the dip into a baking dish (I used an 8x8 Pyrex)

Top with the remaining parmesan cheese.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until cheese on top is brown and bubbly.

Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.


This was quite a hit and definitely easier on the stomach than if I used regular cream cheese and sour cream. Plus, my non lactose intolerant friend liked it too! Not sure how to count a serving, but an estimation would be 2 tbsp = 2 pts.

To accompany the dip I originally planned on making a dessert, but once we cancelled the party I decided one big recipe was enough. Instead, I made Cauliflower Poppers. They were super easy and added a little something to regular old cauliflower.

Ingredients:

1 spray cooking spray

1 small head of cauliflower

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp chili power

1/2 tsp table salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Cut cauliflower into small florets.

Place in a medium bowl and add all the spices; toss well to coat.

Spread cauliflower on prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes; stirring halfway through. Cauliflower should be tender, but not mushy.

These were also a success and come in at 0-points!

Still going strong on the resolution and damn proud!