What Has Government Done to Our Money?

What, indeed, has the gubmint done with our money?

In high school a book review was written, if at all, after the book had been read. Even after the Cliff Notes version. I am jumping to the head of the class and writing a review of a book I’ve not even read to page 50. Why do such a cavalier thing as write about a book before the end? Well, it’s non-fiction, and I know who did it.  (Spoiler alert: the government did it.)  The author is the inimitable Murray N. Rothbard.

I am new to the very many works of Rothbard. Murray was several things including funny and prolific. This particular book, What Has Government Done to our Money? takes an early educational tone which is informative at a basic level and never pandering to the reader. Murray seems to expect you don’t know what he does and is happy to share it so you can catch up. As I’ve learned about Murray through his critics and fans, all seem to agree that he is never condescending to the reader. As a reader who seeks to grasp what I know I don’t know, I appreciate the rather folksy, “come, sit next to me and let’s chat about money” feel of the book.

Money. It’s been a hit song, the source of nearly all troubles in one way or another and, in my life, almost totally misunderstood. My parents knew not these things about money. Frankly, few people do. They were busy doing parent things and reading about economics wasn’t on the list. I am doing parent things, and for this parent, a better than non-existent understanding of economics is on the list. I owe to my kids the best knowledge I can give them about economics. An understanding about what money is, what has happened to it and how they can not be affected by that is likely one of the most valuable gifts I can give the.

If I have been unclear, read What Has Government Done to Our Money?

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Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

The Perfect Partner for a Great Party

I love a good artichoke dip. My generosity isn’t in the making, it is in the sharing. It is a simple thing to do and it is easy to make a few days ahead of the party. This is easy to scale up as the items are the containers. If you can’t find the exact size jar of artichokes, get something which is close.

I will tell you that more is better than less when it comes to artichokes. If you have a choice, buy the hearts in oil. I find the flavor of the artichoke is better than that in water. Sometimes the hearts have a piece which is too hard to cut, so throw that away. If you like spicy food, red pepper flakes are a nice addition as are roasted red bell peppers. This is a recipe which can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences, so alter as you will.

Artichoke Spinach Dip

We make this as dinner for two!  It is so good and so rich, but we just can't help it.  Easy to make ahead a day or two, then about 20 minutes before you want it, just place it in the oven and get the chips ready.

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Artichoke, Dip, Party, Spinach, Superbowl, Tailgate
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 2 People
Author Dann Reid

Ingredients

Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • 8 oz Cream cheese
  • 12 oz Frozen chopped spinach
  • 14.75 oz Jar Artichoke hearts I prefer the oil packed
  • 1/2 C Small dice red onion
  • 1/2 each Clove of garlic Add more as you like
  • 1/4 C Grated Parmesean cheese
  • As needed Grated whole nutmeg
  • 1/2 t Fresh lemon juice
  • As needed Salt and pepper

Instructions

Make the dip

  1. Saute the onions and garlic together in a small dab of butter.

    Allow to cool. 

  2. Paddle all the ingredients together in a stand mixer. If you have not a stand mixer, slightly warmed cream cheese in the microwave will mix very easily. Check the dip for seasoning. Place in a sealable container and store in the refrigerator.

  3. To serve: Place the dip in a heatproof serving dish, cover with foil and heat at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until it is 150 degrees internal. For a browned top, remove the foil at 15 minutes.

Recipe Notes

The base is pretty accommodating to change.  Add diced tomatoes or more onions or add mushrooms to the onion and garlic mix or something else.

Serve with homemade wheat crackers or pita bread pieces or sit in the corner alone with a lime Tostitos and a beer.

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