CPK's Spinach Artichoke Dip

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup diced white or yellow onion, cut into ⅛-inch dice
1½ tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cup chicken stock (preferable homemade)
1½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dehydrated chicken stock base or crumbled bouillon cubes
1½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup sour cream
12 ounces frozen spinach, defrosted, drained, wrung out by hand, and coarsely chopped
6 ounces canned artichoke bottoms, drained and cut into ⅛-inch slices
1 cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¾ teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
Blue and white corn tortilla chips.
If you like, try serving it with wedges of fresh-baked focaccia in place of the tortilla chips.
Directions:
In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil and butter together over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring frequently and stopping before the onion and garlic brown.
Sprinkle the flour and continue cooking, stirring continuously, until the mixture turns a golden-blond color, 10 to 15 minutes. Then, whisking continuously, slowly pour in the stock until it is smoothly incorporated. When the mixture begins to simmer, stir in the cream. Let it return to the simmer. Remove from the heat, add the Parmesan, chicken base or bouillon cubes, lemon juice, and sugar, and stir until thoroughly blended.
Add the sour cream, spinach, artichoke bottoms, Monterey Jack cheese and Tabasco sauce, and stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese has melted. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and serve immediately, accompanied by blue and white corn tortilla chips.