Food:

Spinach Artichoke Cottage Cheese Dip w/Crispy Pancetta

1 16oz container low-fat cottage cheese (I like Nancy’s Organic low-fat because it’s cultured like yogurt)

1 box frozen spinach, defrosted and excess water squeezed out (frozen spinach is the best bang for your buck when using in dips)

1 can artichokes, drained and chopped

1 leek, sliced and sautéed just until soft

1/4c. pecorino cheese, grated (you could also use parmesan)

1/2 lb. pancetta, diced and sautéed until crispy (this ends up being about 1/2c. of crispy bits)

1 lemon, zest and juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Start by scooping the cottage cheese into the food processor, next add the grated cheese, zest and juice of lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse just a few times to smooth out.

2. Next add the spinach, artichokes, and leek. Process again until mixed well. Taste for salt and pepper and add more if needed.

3. Scoop the dip into a bowl and fold in the crispy pancetta. If you make this dip ahead of time add the crispy pancetta just before serving. I served mine with fresh carrot sticks. YUM!!!

Nutrition:

Low fat Cottage Cheese- Low fat cottage cheese is a great alternative when making dips. It is low in fat, and good great source of calcium as well as HIGH in protein. There are cultured kinds as well which is an added benefit.

Spinach: Spinach tops the list along with other green leafy vegetables as a food most eaten by people who don’t get cancer. Great source of antioxidants and cancer antagonists, containing about four times more beta-carotene and three times more lutein than broccoli. Rich in fiber, helps lower blood cholesterol.

Artichokes: High in fiber, calcium and iron. Excellent for the digestive tract, the heart, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. They are good to eat for reduction of weight.

Lemon: This fruit ranks high in its medicinal value. It is a good blood and body purifier and a mild diuretic. The juice also aids in the removal of old drug poisons from the body.

Crispy Pancetta: Just because it tastes good and is fun from time to time.

Love:

I made this scrumpcious dip for the Super Bowl, the thing that I love about this dip is that its healthy enough for the ladies with the low-fat cottage cheese, spinach and artichokes but makes the men happy due do the crispy pancetta. Everyone is happy! If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, top a baked potato or sweet potato for a quick dinner. Enjoy!