Betty Crocker meets Working Wendy

One of my favorite things to do is host friends for Wine and Cheese. Combing all of my favorite things: friends, fun, good food, (and wine!) always gives me a great joy and brings out the inner Martha Stuart in me. I love coming up with creative and unique dishes to serve guests, and the best compliments are the ones that end with "Can I get that recipe?"

Unfortunately, though, busy schedules, traffic, and tons of other commitments put me at crunch time when it comes to creating the setting and foods for a fun night in. I've had girlfriends that will literally go to a nearby restaurant, order all the appetizers on the menu to go, take them home and set them in dishes for presentation. Other friends (and I do this all the time), hit the grocery for some pre-made dips or pastry puffs, or better yet that ready-to-open-and-eat veggie or fruit trays.

But when the event is special, and there is time to plan, I like to include at least a few hot and tasty items to really satisfy guests. So whats a working gal to do?

Enter, the slow cooker.

Ms. Betty Crocker has finally come to 2011 and switched out her giants books for a giant website, chock full of recipes and ideas, and, thankfully, a whole section on slow cooker recipes. One such item, perfect for hosting a get together, is the ever popular Spinach Artichoke Dip. 

While I have a hard time picturing this coming out of my crock pot, I'll be trying this one out this evening for a girls night. One particular guest has a penchant for eating this dip as a meal, so I'm hoping I meet her seal of approval!

There are all sorts of dips, chilis, soups and stews on Ms. Crocker's page, so I will definitely be trying out some more and posting my thoughts!