Artichoke Baskets With Caper Dip Recipes

STEAMED WHOLE ARTICHOKES WITH SPICY LEMON CAPER MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• Place each artichoke on its side on a flat surface. Use a serrated knife to saw off the stem at the base of the artichoke so it can sit upright on a plate without falling over once cooked.
• In a large pot, add 3 inches of water. Insert a steamer basket. Place the artichokes top-down in the basket, wedged in a single layer. Cover. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 30 to 35 minutes. If the pot runs out of water while cooking, simply add more to the bottom.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, oil, capers, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with the chives.
• Serve the artichokes with the dipping sauce.

ARTICHOKE BASKETS WITH CAPER DIP

Steps:

• FOR ARTICHOKES - With sharp knife, cut off stems.
• With scissors, snip off prickly tips.
• Rinse and shake off water.
• Wrap artichokes in plastic wrap and place on microwave safe plate or place in a microwave safe casserole.
• Add 1/4 cup water and cover.
• Place in microwave and cook on high 5 1/2 to 8 1/2 minutes until lower leaves can be pulled off and base pierces easily with fork.
• Rotate and rearrange halfway through cooking.
• Let stand 3 - 5 minutes.
• TO PREPARE DIP - In small bowl combine mayonnaise, garlic, capers and caper brine.
• TO PREPARE BASKET - Remove 1/4 of one side of artichoke leaves; reserve leaves.
• Carefully remove and discard the choke.
• Place on small plate.
• Fill inside of basket with caper dip and allow some to spill out onto the plate.
• Chill until ready to serve.
• If desired serve with reserved artichoke leaves.
• NOTE:.
• If desired, artichokes can be cooked on stove top.
• Place trimmed artichokes stem side down in small saucepan just big enough to hold them snugly.
• Pour boiling water to a depth of 1 inch, cover and steam 45 minutes over medium heat until done as above.
• With tongs, remove from pot; drain.

BAKED ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• Process artichokes, onion and garlic in the food processor until smooth (or if you like, until blended, but still have texture).
• In medium sized bowl (or if you're a little lazy like me, right in the medium sized ceramic baking dish), combine remaining ingredients except parsley and bread, reserving 1 cup of mozzarella.
• Sprinkle remaining cheese over artichoke dip, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
• Bake at 400º for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and beginning to brown.
• Serve with crusty french bread slices.