Roasted Artichoke Pesto Recipes

PARMESAN ROASTED ARTICHOKES WITH PESTO DIPPING SAUCE RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with either aluminum foil coated with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper and butter the surface (which is what we did).
• Wash your artichokes completely, pulling the leaves away from the body to clean underneath them as well. Cut your artichokes in half from the top down through the stem and rub the cut surfaces immediately with the fresh lemon wedge. If you like, you can remove the thorns from the tip of each leaf, however, it is not necessary as the leaves soften during the oven roasting.
• Use a knife to remove the 'choke' from the center of the artichokes, removing all of the purple leaves and fuzz from the middle of each artichoke half. Rub the cleared choke area with lemon once each half is done.
• Place your cleaned artichoke halves on your lined baking sheet with each of the artichoke halves facing up. In a small microwave safe dish, melt 2 Tbsp of the butter then add garlic and lemon juice. Drizzle over the artichoke halves. Turn the artichokes over and use your hands to rub any excess of the melted butter and garlic onto the back side (leaf side) of the artichokes.
• Place the artichokes in the oven (cut side down) and roast them at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 45-50 minutes or until the stem base is tender when forked (Particularly small artichokes may need to be checked earlier). The bottom side of the artichokes and leaf tips should also show some browning.
• Remove the pan from the oven and use tongs to flip the roasted artichokes over so that they are facing cut side up. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter, then top each of the artichoke halves with the cheese and breadcrumb topping.
• Move your oven rack up to the top for broiling and set the oven temp to broil (low broil option if you have it). Place the roasted artichokes back in the oven to broil, leave your oven door cracked and watch closely for the tops to be golden brown and for the cheese to be melted. Be attentive and do not walk away, as these will quickly burn when on broil.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. While the artichokes are cooling, combine sour cream and pesto in a small bowl. Add optional lemon juice if desired. Serve the pesto dipping sauce with the Parmesan crusted roasted artichokes.

ARTICHOKE-PESTO BITES

Steps:

• Mix 1/2 cup each ricotta, chopped artichoke hearts and pesto with 1/4 cup grated parmesan, and salt and pepper. Spread on focaccia and top with mozzarella. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.