Does anybody remember way back when I posted a copycat recipe for Panera’s Steak & White Cheddar Panini? I mentioned I already had a “go-to” sandwich, but I followed my friend’s lead and ordered the steak one. My “go-to” was Panera’s Turkey Artichoke Panini. When I was out with my friend I didn’t realize it was no longer on the menu, which is a good thing because I swear I had to grieve alone when I found out.

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
I used to be kinda opposed to Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, just on principle…and here’s the deal: Back in the ’80s, it was all about the Creamy Knorr’s Spinach Dip and it was served warm or cold in a bread bowl. I loved that stuff! And I remember how fancy we all thought it was, too. Then in the ’90s, it was all about the Hot Artichoke Dip. It seemed that just about every restaurant had a version. It was everywhere! And I loved that stuff, too! Of course, I’ve always had a thing for artichokes, and guess who else in the house does? Homer, my cat. She goes nuts over them. She can smell even the canned artichokes in the grocery bag and immediately comes running!

Paella Valenciana
Want a simple one-pan skillet dinner? Make this version of Paella Valenciana. Seriously. If there’s ever been a simple dish so wrapped in mystique with so many rules other than Paella, I don’t know what it is.
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Chicken with Lemon & Artichokes
Happy Mother’s Day! I thought it would be perfect to post a favorite dish I used to make for my Mother after she no longer cooked. She loved this Chicken with Lemon and Artichokes. The sauce has a lot of flavor and is bright, garlicky and lemony. Couscous soaks it up beautifully and when served on a platter, this simple dish seems like so much more.

Hot Artichoke Dip Chicken with Parmesan & Yogurt
Does anyone remember the cheesy, garlicky deliciousness of that old Hot Artichoke Dip that was so ubiquitous in the ’90s? It was basically artichokes, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and garlic and it was crazy, crazy good. I’m using all those flavors and more in this moist (sorry to say moist- but it is) luscious, creamy Hot Artichoke Dip Chicken. And it’s even crazier gooder than the dip, I swear. This is wanna lick your plate clean good. Hide any leftovers good. Get up in the middle of the night, alone so you don’t have to share, and eat them good!