HOT SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup flour
2 cups half and half
1 (14.5oz) can atrichoke hearts, coarsly chopped (RESERVE JUICE)
1/2 cup juice from artichoke hearts
4 oz cream cheese
2 cups jack cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2/3 cup asiago or Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
Pita chips or crackers



In a saucepan, melt butter and add onion and garlic, sautee until onions soften. Add flour and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add half and half and whisk until smooth. Add cream cheese and cook (stirring) until cream cheese is melted. Add cheeses and cook until melted, add artichoke hearts and juice to thin it a bit. Add lemon juice and spinach. Stir to combine and pour into a casserole dish and sprinkle with bacon bits. At this point, you can refrigerate (or freeze) to cook at a later time. When ready, bake at 350 until bubbly. Serve with pita chips or crackers.