that cooking thing (or, why a slow cooker challenge could change my life)

I’m not going to pretend like I’m a good cook. That is just not a true fact about me.

I want to be a good cook — and if the qualifications were making a mean box of Kraft mac and cheese or the best instant grits in all the land — I might be able to hack it. But last time I checked, those skills only made me a college student.

So, because I can barely work a George Foreman Grill, I’m super excited for Small Kitchen College‘s Slow Cooker Challenge and Giveaway this week. Not only are there going to be amazing recipes posted all week long, you’ll get a chance to enter to win a slow cooker of your very own! The contest begins today and ends Saturday at 7PM. For official rules and guidelines, see this post.

I’m pretty sure even I could cook something awesome if I had a slow cooker. Say, for instance, one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THINGS IN THE WORLD — spinach and artichoke dip.

Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Serves a crowd
Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients
One 9 ounce box of frozen spinach
One 12 ounce jar of artichoke hearts
8 ounces of cream cheese
1 cup of shredded mozzarella
½ cup of grated parmesan
Dash of milk
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, grated or minced

Defrost spinach and squeeze out excess liquid in a kitchen cloth. It’s okay if some moisture remains; don’t go crazy trying to squeeze it dry. Drain artichoke hearts and break up with fingers.

Combine all remaining ingredients in slow cooker. Dip will seem very thick, but once the cheese all melts it will become more of a dip-like consistency.

Cook on high for two hours. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or whatever dipper your enjoy.

If it’s your thing, I definitely encourage you to join the Slow Cooker Challenge and Giveaway. But if you win, don’t be surprised when I invite myself over for dinner at your place.