Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip

This deliciously simple appy is my kinda dip!

Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip:

8 oz. (250 g) cream cheese, softened

One 14 fl. oz. (398 mL) can unmarinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped

1/4 c. (60 mL) mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. (2.5 mL) each dried basil, onion powder, salt, horseradish, hot sauce

Approx. 1/2 lb. (225 g) shelled crabmeat, canned or fresh (see Note)

1/2 c. (125 mL) grated mozzarella cheese

1/3 c. (80 mL) red bell pepper (capsicum), diced fine

1/3 c. (80 mL) green bell pepper (capsicum), diced fine

1/3 c. (80 mL) green onion, sliced fine

Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Preheart oven to 350 deg. F. In food processor, whirl cream cheese, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, garlic, basil, onion powder, salt, horseradish, and hot sauce until well combined. Transfer to baking dish. Drain and rinse crabmeat. Hand-stir into creamed mixture with cheese, peppers, and onion. Mixture should be chunky. Bake, loosely covered with foil, 15-to-20 min. until heated through. Serve at once, heaping onto crackers or baguette. Serves 8.

Note: I find artificial crab to be superior to the real thing in preparing a dish like this. Not only is the real crab expensive, but its delicate flavor is lost among the spiciness blend of flavors in this excellent appy!