Cheesy Stuffed Artichokes

I'm always looking for new ways to cook old favorites. When I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it. Combining tender artichokes with warm, cheesy stuffing is a decadent twist on my traditional stuffed artichokes. There is a little bit of prep work required, but the artichokes will come out perfectly tender and delicious. They are a hearty side and you could definitely cut them in half to make smaller portions, but they are so good you may just end up eating it all yourself!

Cheesy Stuffed Artichokes

Cold water, as needed
3 to 4 lemons, juiced, divided
6 medium artichokes, stems trimmed
1/4 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 to 3/4 cup fontina cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill bowl with cold water large enough to hold the 6 artichokes. Add the juice of 2 lemons to the water. Use a paring knife to trim the dark green skin from the stem and the base of each artichoke. Also, slice about 2 to 3 inches off the top. In a circular motion, using a paring knife peel the outer, dark green bitter layer of the heart until the fleshly, light green part is exposed. Trim and leave about 2 to 3 inches off the stem. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the "hay" from the center of each artichoke. Squeeze some of the remaining lemon juice over the artichoke, rubbing the lemon directly on them to prevent them from discoloring, then submerge them in the lemon water.

In a large bowl, combine 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil, the bread crumbs, garlic, and parsley with the Fontina and Parmesan. Stir to blend. Season with salt, to taste. Remove the artichokes from the water, pat dry and transfer them to a bowl. Reseason with salt and drizzle them with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stuff each artichoke with the bread crumb mixture and arrange them in a baking dish. Don't be afraid to pack the stuffing into each artichoke. Top the artichokes with any remaining stuffing. Add a little water to the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the artichokes from drying out or scorching on the bottom as they cook. Cover the dish with a tight layer of aluminum foil and put the baking dish in the center of the oven.

After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Test the center of the artichoke with the tip of a knife. The knife should pierce and remove without resistance. Remove the foil and put the dish under a broiler for 5 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut each artichoke in half to reveal the stuffing, arrange on serving plates and serve.

Makes 6 generous portions

Pasta with Sausage, Artichokes, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This recipe was given to me by my Uncle Tom. It is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that could be a side dish or stand alone as a main course meal. I thought the technique of using the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes was genius! It really adds great flavor to the sausage and ties the rest of the dish together.

Pasta with Sausage, Artichokes, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

(Adapted from Giada DeLaurentiis)

3/4 C. Sun-Dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced

2 Tb. oil from sun-dried tomatoes

1 Lb. Italian sausage (hot or mild), casings removed

2 (8 oz.) packages frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

2 Lg. garlic cloves, chopped

1 3/4 C. Chicken broth

1/2 C. Dry white wine

1/4 C. tomato paste

Sugar, to taste

Salt

12 Oz. pasta, such as penne, farfalle, or rigatoni

1/2 C. freshly shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1/3 C. fresh basil, chopped

1/4 C. flat leaf parsley, chopped

8 Oz. fresh mozzarella, drained and cubed (optional)

Freshly ground pepper

Heat the oil from the tomatoes in a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until brown, breaking up the meat into bite-sized pieces. Transfer sausage to a bowl.

Add the artichokes and garlic to the skillet and saute over medium heat until the garlic is tender, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, wine, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly. Add a small amount of sugar to the sauce only if the tomatoes are too tart.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, do not rinse. Add the pasta, sausage, and 1/2 C. of parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley to the atrichoke mixture. Toss until the sauce is almost absorbed by the pasta. Stir in the mozzarella, if using. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with additional parmesan cheese on top.

Stuffed Artichokes

This is a dish that I remember my grandma making as a kid. There's a little work required when eating them, but it's worth it! These artichokes are full of a delicious bread filling that fills your whole kitchen with beautiful smelling garlic and spices.

before cooking

after cooking

Stuffed Artichokes

4 fresh artichokes
3/4 C. Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1/4 C. Romano cheese, grated or shredded (can subsitute parmesan)
garlic salt
freshly ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Cut the stem off the bottom of the artichokes and peel off the very bottom leaves. Cut the very top off the artichokes to create a flat top. Using kitchen shears, trim away the sharp points on the remaining leaves. Whack artichokes on the counter a few times to help them open up. Go on, get that agression out - whack 'em!

In a small bowl, mix all of the filling ingredients together. Carefully separate/ spread the leaves of the artichokes. Fill with bread crumb mixture. Drizzle each artichoke with a little olive oil. In a large pan, place artichokes. Add enough water to the pan to just barely rise up the side of the artichoke, about 1/4 inch. Cover pot and simmer until the leaves in the middle pull out easily - about 40 minutes.