Artichoke and Avocado Spread

Inspired by a recent trip to one of our favorite wine and cheese shops, my mom and I decided to make some sort of artichoke spread.

When we first pulled out the artichoke hearts we were thinking something along the lines of olive oil, olives, and artichoke but then we saw half an avocado sitting all alone on the counter and we started moving in a whole new direction.

What we created was a beautiful combination of artichoke dip and guacamole. Perfect for an afternoon snack or cocktail hour.

Here’s what you need:

1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped

1/2 an avocado

2 ounces cream cheese

1 teaspoon Adobo

Hot pepper paste to taste (we used about 1 1/2 tablespoons of ají mirasol paste!)

Cheese for topping, optional

Mash avocado and cream cheese together until somewhat smooth and blended. Add in Adobo and chili paste. Stir in chopped artichoke hearts. Top with a light dusting of cheese and serve right away with bread or crackers!! We found that the spread was best on slightly toasted and crunchy bread!

Now you might be asking, what’s up with this ají mirasol stuff? And why does that knife say Braniff?

It’s all connected, my friend. As it happens my mom spent a large part of her younger years in Lima, Peru. Thus hot peppers and hints of Peruvian cuisine are part of her soul and flair in the kitchen and often find their way into last minute meal creations like this one.

But what about the knife?

Oh yes, when she and her family flew down to South America airlines like Braniff provided real silverware on flights, fancy huh? I’d like to think they stopped that practice on account of too many people taking these cute little knives with them and not because they may have presented a safety hazard.

Hope you’re having a great week!

-Charleston Spice Co.