Okey Dokey Artichokey

Our bloomed artichoke from our old house...see original post here

who doesn't love artichoke? i dont know too many people who don't...especially after trying a stuffed artichoke, but i was just out in our garden and finally i see a wittle teeny artichoke baby bud coming out - so exciting! they take forever to fruit...so in anticipation of future artichokes, i am posting some of our favorite recipes!

Stuffed Artichoke:

Block of Cheese - cut into little squares - about the size of a penny and width of a pencil
Bread Crumbs - about a cup
Artichoke - Medium Size
1 clove garlic
Seasonings - garlic salt, lemon pepper to taste

Directions:
Cut the stem of the artichoke so that you can stand it up in your steamer (you can steam the stem separately and eat it too!)
*Optional - Cut the top of the artichoke leaves with kitchen shears - its not mandatory, but it looks nicer and is easier for little ones especially to pull out the leaves*
Put the clove of garlic inside the top leaves of the artichoke - it should hold it in pretty well. Steam artichoke for about 45 minutes (depending on the size - it can take up to an hour for larger ones - you know its ready when you pull on a stem and it EASILY comes out)

Set oven for 400 degrees. stuff cheese squares into leaves - i like to put it in just about all the leaves if you can - sprinkle bread crumbs and seasoning

Bake for about 10 minutes in oven or until cheese is melted

ENJOY!!

Grilled Artichoke
The other way we love it is grilled - you steam it, cut it in half, sprinkle with olive oil and seasonings and grill for about 10 minutes....yum!

Steamed Artichoke
or...you can just steam it and create yummy dipping sauces of course!

Baked Artichoke
or...you can bake it - sprinkle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and seasonings...and don't forget the garlic stuffed inside - cover with foil, place in a roaster and bake at 425 for an hour and a half!


Also...just missed it...dern! but mark your calendars for next year - the Artichoke Festival in Castroville - i have wanted to check this out for a while...i must make a note to check on dates for next May!