Poppy Seed ‘Magic Wands’ with Bacon Artichoke Dip

Difficulty:

1/5

Ease of Preparation: Easy

Yield: 4-6

Chef Siobhan Detkavich is cooking for… Pisces! So… what does a Water Sign with a ruling planet of Neptune eat? Pisces are often known as the mystics of the zodiac. Only fitting then, that they should have their own delicious magic wands! And what’s more magic than bacon and artichokes alongside?

Ingredients:

Bacon Artichoke Dip:

4 slices bacon
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, grated
1 small jar (14 ounce) marinated artichokes, drained
1/4 cup (60 ml) grated parmesan
1/4 cup (60 ml) grated cheddar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped parsley (plus more to garnish)
1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped Italian parsley
Salt and pepper

Poppy Seed Breadsticks:

1 14 ounce (397 g) prepared pizza crust, thawed
Flour, for dusting
¼ cup (60 ml) poppy seed
1 egg, beaten

Method:

For the Bacon Artichoke Dip:

Chop bacon into small pieces and render until ¾ cooked.

Add the shallot and garlic and sizzle until soft and the bacon is crisp.

Cool to room temperature.

Squeeze out the artichokes and finely chop.

In a food processor, combine the chopped artichokes, parmesan, cheddar cheese, and most of the cooled bacon shallot mixture. Blitz to mostly smooth texture.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Fold in the mayonnaise, sour cream, and parsley.

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator. Before serving, garnish with parsley and remaining bacon-shallot mixture.

For the Poppy Seed Breadsticks:

Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lightly dust a clean work surface with a bit of flour, then turn out and knead the prepared pizza dough for about a minute until it gets slightly firm.

Roll out the dough into a thin, wide rectangle, dusting with more flour as needed.

Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips.

Use a pastry brush to lightly wash the top of each strip with beaten egg.

Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool completely, then serve with the Bacon Artichoke Dip.