Shrimp is believed to have been around since the days of the Romans and the Greeks, who are thought to have had easy access to the seafood crustacean.http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodlobster.html Artichokes, meanwhile, originated in the Mediterranean, and have been consumed by humans for over 3,000 years.http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory/a/artichokehistry.htm Together, this blend of seafood and vegetable have become popular combinations for a variety of foods, including spicy shrimp and artichoke spread.

If you are a seafood lover, and enjoy spicy foods, then you might be interested in learning how to make spicy shrimp and artichoke spread. This spread can be served on crackers or raw vegetables, and is great for serving at parties or a get-together with family and friends. There are many different variations of this spread, which some people call a dip, so explore your culinary creativity by experimenting with different versions until you find the one you enjoy best. The spread can also be tweaked to taste more or less spicy.

• 1 can artichokes, rinsed, drained, and chopped
• 1 small can of tiny shrimp, washed and drained
• 3 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup of medium picante sauce
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 green onion, sliced

1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, artichokes, cream cheese, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and picante sauce.
2. Mix ingredients well.
3. Put minture into a pie pan.
4. Add the chopped red pepper and sliced green onion.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with raw vegetables and/or crackers.

1. Substitute fresh shrimp for can of tiny shrimp and fresh artichokes for can artichokes.
2. Add additional spices, if desired: paprika, parsley, chives, garlic powder, cayenne pepper.
3. Add tabasco sauce or worcestershire sauce, if desired.