Brown Lounge Artichokes

By Carolanne

The Costco Connection March 2014

Ingredients

• 4 firm artichokes, rinsed
• 12 cups of water
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 melted butter
• Italian seasoning or your favorite herb mixture to taste
• Black truffle salt, sea salt or your favorite seasoned salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 to 2 TBSP plain or seasoned crushed bread crumbs
• 2 fresh lemons, sliced into wedges for drizzling or garnish
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise for dipping(optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Cut the thorns of each leaf with scissors horizontallyacross the top, and cut the stem off at the bottom of each artichoke with a sharp knife. It should sit upright without wobbling.

In a large pot, bring the water, oil, salt and bay leaves to boil over high heat. Immerse the artichokes in boiling water, reduce heat to medium and gently boil for 45-50 minutes, until leaves are tender and can be pulled away from the choke with a gentle tug (taste to test tenderness).

Drain and plate the artichokes by removing them from the water with tongs, and turn them upside down to release water trapped between the leaves.

Sit the artichokes upright on a serving platter. Use your fingers to open up the leaves so they capture melted butter and seasonings.

Drizzle melted butter over the leaves*. Generously sprinkle each artichoke with seasonings, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and bread crumbs. Spueeze fresh lemon over each artichoke.

garnish the serving plate with remaining lemon wedges, and fill a small bowl with mayonnaise, if desired. *Serve seasoned artichokes hot or at room timperature, wait until you're ready to serve before adding melted butter and seasonings.