Tracy's Spinach Dip

Funny story-I was at a women's small group and we were all bringing appetizers. Tracy Goins brought this spicy spinach dip and I brought something I slaved over from Zaar. Well, I casually tried the dip while everyone else was talking and well...I kept coming back for more. Some time later as I am thinking that I might burst at any moment Tracy comes in the kitchen saying she wanted to have some of her dip before it was gone...and I was caught taking the last little bit on a chip. I confessed that I had eaten practically the whole bowl and then did the only thing any piggish self-respecting dip hoarder could do: I begged for the recipe. So, here it is and I can't wait to have it again! Thanks, Tracy.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package fat free sour cream
• 8  ounces light mayonnaise
• 1 (10 ounce) bag  of chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (1 7/8ounce) package  Knorr vegetable soup mix
• 4  cups  Italian cheese blend, finely shredded (the kind with Mozzarella, Parmesan, etc all mixed)
• 2 -4  habanero peppers, diced (or peppers of your choice)
• 1  small  firm tomatoes, chunked small and excess liquid discarded
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  garlic salt

Directions

1. NOTE FROM CARYN: When cutting up the peppers, wear a NEW pair of kitchen rubber gloves to avoid skin burns and since the oil can remain on your skin for a few days-who knows where you can get burned or whom you can burn (like your kids).
2. Cut off each end of the pepper and slice up one side of the pepper, skin the seeds and membranes into the trash.
3. Dice the peppers.
4. Mix all ingredients together in casserole dish.
5. Cover with shredded cheese.
6. Cook for 45 minutes-1 hour at 320°F.
7. ANOTHER NOTE FROM CARYN: I love to roast the peppers first.
8. To do so, just put the peppers about two inches under a broiler and turn frequently until the skin on both sides is blistered and blackened.
9. Place the piping hot peppers under a kitchen towel to steam for a few minutes, which loosens the skin for easy removal.
10. This adds a nice smokey flavor to the peppers, which really complements the dip.