Serves: 9
Total Calories: 268

1 large round loaf unsliced Shepherd's bread or French bread
2 - 3 jalapeno chiles, minced
1 (7-ounce) can diced green chili
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 325°. Cut top off bread 1/4 of the way down. Carefully scoop out inside, leaving a 1-inch shell. Reserve top.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook chiles and onion in oil, stirring, for 4 minutes, or until onions are softened. Add tomatoes and cook mixture, stirring, for 2 more minutes. Stir in spinach, vinegar, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, half-and-half, cumin, salt and pepper, and heat gently.

Pour sauce into bread round, replace top and wrap in heavy foil. Place in a baking pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

To serve, place the bread round on a platter and surround with tortilla chips for dipping. The dip may also be served in a chafing dish.


Fun Fact: A basic definition of aurora borealis is luminous arches or streams of light that appear in the Northern regions of the earth. The Latin words “aurora borealis” are roughly translated as “northern lights”—hence the alternative name. Aurora pertains to the lights (the red dawn) and borealis pertains to the North. It is interesting to note that “Aurora” was the name given to the Roman goddess of dawn.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 9
Total Calories: 268
Calories from Fat: 205

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