Recipe: Macaroni Grill's Shrimp Artichoke Dip

Macaroni Grill's Shrimp Artichoke Dip

2 cups half-and-half
1 tablespoon clam juice
2 teaspoons dry white wine
3 tablespoons butter
1 shallot -- finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups rough chopped spinach
1 cup canned artichoke hearts -- chopped
8 large shrimp -- peeled, cleaned, chopped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese -- optional

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine half-and-half, clam juice and white wine. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Add shallots and saut until translucent. Add flour to butter mixture, stirring until flour is absorbed. Cook, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes. Add heated half-and-half mixture all at once to the shallot mix, stirring constantly with a wire whip to remove any lumps. Add spinach, artichokes, shrimp, cayenne and black pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the mixture does not scorch. Remove mixture from heat, and stir in cheese, if desired. Pour dip into bowl and serve hot.