Aroma ARC-960W Hot Spinach & Artichoke Spread, Red Potato, Smoked Ham & Chive Soup

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Spread
8 oz.	pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup	lowfat mayonnaise
3/4 cup	Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove	garlic, minced
14 oz.	can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup	frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 tsp	dried Italian seasoning
1 tbsp.	fresh Italian parsley, chopped
4 cups	salt and freshly ground black pepper
	water

In a medium bowl, blend together the cream cheese, mayonnaise
and Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic, artichoke hearts, spinach, Italian
seasoning, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well. Coat a 4-cup heatproof
dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the spread into the dish and
smooth the top with a knife. Cover the top of the dish with aluminum
foil. Pour the water into the inner pot and position the steam tray on
top. Place the dish in the steam tray. Close the lid and press the
Steam/Cook button for 15 minutes. Carefully open the lid, keeping hands
and face away to avoid steam burns, and check the spread. When done,
it will be warm throughout. Serve with herbed crackers. Serves 6.
Red Potato, Smoked Ham & Chive Soup
2-1/2 cups	chicken broth
1-1/2 cups	water
1 (5.5 oz) pk.	instant au gratin potatoes plus seasoning packet
6	baby red potatoes, rinsed and cut into small cubes
1/4 tsp.	freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup	smoked ham, chopped (you may use lowfat turkey
1 cup	ham)
	half and half cream
3 tbsp.	fresh chives, chopped

Place the broth, water, instant potatoes, seasoning, potatoes and pepper in the inner pot. Close the lid and press the Steam/Cook button and steam for 20 minutes. Carefully open the lid, keeping hands and face away to avoid steam burns. Use a long-handled plastic spoon to stir in the ham and cream, taking care not to touch the inner pot, as it will be hot. Close the lid and continue steaming for 3 minutes. When done, use ladle to spoon into individual bowls and garnish with the chopped chives. Serves 4.

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