Monday, April 14, 2008

Baked Artichokes with Gorgonzola



Lately I've been really wanting to make whole artichokes. I've never made them before, but love to cook with artichoke hearts. They are intimidating, though, so I kept putting them off in favor of simpler dishes. Last weekend, however, destiny intervened by way of one of my favorite food network chefs. Giada was making artichokes when I turned on food network, so I was able to get a confident boost while I watched her prep the artichokes. It really isn't even that complicated, so I don't know why I was worrying too much. These artichokes were delicious, with the rich gorgonzola oozing all over the place.

Baked Artichokes with Gorgonzola and Herbes

from foodnetwork.com, by Giada De Laurentiis

Salt
4 artichokes
3 lemons, plus 1 lemon
10 ounces mild Gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons cream
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus 1 tablespoon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Trim the artichokes by cutting off the top 1-inch or so. Cut the stem close to the base of the artichoke so the artichoke can sit up straight, and remove some of the bottom leaves. Using kitchen shears, trim the sharp points off of any remaining outer leaves. Add the artichokes to the boiling water. Halve the lemons and squeeze the juice into the boiling water. Toss in the lemons. Cook the artichokes until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain the artichokes and let cool.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the Gorgonzola, cream, thyme, 2 teaspoons parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl stir together the bread crumbs and remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the center choke of the artichokes using a small spoon. Stuff the cheese mixture into the center of the artichokes. Place the artichokes into a baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the artichokes. Drizzle the tops of the artichokes with olive oil. Bake until the artichokes are heated through, the cheese is melted, and the bread crumbs are crisp and golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer the artichokes to a serving dish and serve.

6 comments:

Peabody said...

Yum. I love artichokes and I like the idea of the gorgonzola!

Elly said...

Ooh these look delicious! I've never cooked a whole artichoke, either.

Nicole said...

Sounds wonderful!!! I have never baked an artichoke but I cook them whole all the time. I just do the first part (with or without the lemon) and steep them for about 45 min. to an hour... it takes a while) and serve with mayonnaise or dipping sauce of your choice. I just bought some today at farmers market. I will have to try your way!

I have to get to the blogging w/ purpose and nominate some people this week! That will be my next post!

Anonymous said...

I love artichokes, this looks delicious.

Nicole said...

Erin, since you gave me an award and I couldn't do the favor back, I have tagged you with a meme. I love your blog. Check it out: http://artandaioli.blogspot.com/2008/04/me-me-me-meme.html

Laura in Paris said...

I have never thought of baking an artichoke but will try it. THank you for all your creative ideas.