Artichoke Aioli

Name: Artichoke Aioli
Yield: 16

For healthful snacking, make this creamy dip to accompany your favorite vegetables.

Aioli is a French mayonnaise sauce or dip. A simple whirl in the food processor is all it takes to create this version of the lemon-and-garlic classic. For casual snacking, simply place prepared vegetables on a platter for serving. For special events, veggies may be bundled into attractive packets as shown.

Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
ASSORTED VEGETABLES FOR DIPPING:
Green onions
Green beans
Pea pods
Celery strips
Red bell pepper strips
Zucchini strips

Directions

Place artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic and Italian seasoning in a food processor. Pulse to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with vegetables cleaned and prepped for eating, or serve with Vegetable Bundles (see below).
Vegetable Bundles: Choose an assortment of fresh veggies. Wash and trim vegetables and cut into 4- to 5-inch lengths. Bundle several different vegetables together, wrap in narrow strips of parchment paper and tie with kitchen twine. Stack the vegetable bundles and place in a container. Cover with damp paper towels and container lid; refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.