Crispy Artichoke Hearts With Creamy Bagna Cauda Recipes

CRISPY ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
• In a food processor, combine the crackers, basil, cheese, parsley and garlic salt and process to fine crumbs (the texture of breadcrumbs). Roll the artichoke hearts in the cracker crumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until the cracker crumbs are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Arrange the artichokes on a serving platter with toothpicks. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

GRILLED ARTICHOKES WITH BAGNA CAUDA

Steps:

• For the grilled artichokes: In a medium Dutch oven, combine the white wine, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon halves and then drop the lemon halves into the pot. With a small spoon, scoop out the furry choke from each of the artichoke halves.
• Place the artichokes in the pot, cut-side down. Cover the pot and bring the poaching liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat; reduce the heat to medium low to maintain a gentle simmer. Poach the artichokes for 10 minutes, or until the tip of a paring knife slides in easily at the thickest point. Remove the artichokes to a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
• For the bagna cauda: Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic and anchovy paste to the hot pan and stir with a wooden spoon, mashing the anchovy paste into the oil. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to toast. Stir in the butter, one piece at a time, until completely incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt. Keep warm over low heat.
• To finish the grilled artichokes: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the artichokes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Place the artichokes on the grill, cut-side down; grill until nicely browned, 4 minutes. Turn the artichokes and grill for another 2 minutes, pressing down gently for even browning.
• Serve the artichokes with the bagna cauda on the side for dipping.

ARTICHOKES BAGNA CAUDA

Steps:

• Trim the stalks from the artichokes. Place three inches water in a large pot (do not use aluminum) and add the lemon juice. Simmer the artichokes until done (about 30 minutes). Drain upside down and serve at room temperature.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a small pan and add the butter. When it has melted, add the garlic and saute for one to two minutes. Do not allow it to brown. Add the anchovies and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until they have reduced to a paste. Add the parsley and pepper and cool.
• Serve the sauce on the side with the artichokes, using it as a dip.

BAGNA CAUDA

Steps:

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook until tender. Reduce heat to low. Mix in anchovy filets and heavy cream. Cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat, cover and chill in the refrigerator approximately 2 hours.
• Return the mixture to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly. Serve hot.

CREAMY BAGNA CAUDA

Steps:

• Saute garlic in butter until light brown but NOT SCORCHED.
• Add anchovy filets, then cream.
• Hold out about 1/2 cup cream and combine with cornstarch.
• Stir thickener into mixture.
• Bring to a SIMMER but DO NOT BOIL.
• Stir constantly until thickened.
• You can place this in a fondue pot and serve with small, bite size assorted veggies or bread cubes.
• Some suggestions are carrot slices, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, celery slices, cabbage leaves, Belgian Endive, broccoli florets, etc.
• Guests can dip their choice into the warm sauce.