Monday, February 28, 2011

CARCIOFI (artichoke) DIP or SAUCE FOR PASTA OR CHICKEN

My Artichoke Dip will surely get some great reviews for you and you can serve with my Italian home-made cracker recipe.

YOU'LL NEED:

- 24 oz frozen artichoke hearts (10 large artichokes if you get them at any outdoor market in Italy) I advise those not for sauces.
- 1 cup mayo (I prefer Hellmanns)DO NOT INCLUDE MAYO FOR SAUCE
- 2 T spoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves crushed and chopped garlic
- 2 t spoons cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grated parmigiano cheese
- 2 T spoons ricotta cheese
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 2 T spoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup mushrooms (your choice depending amount of secondary flavor your prefer)

PREPARATION:

- Place your artichoke hearts in a small skillet with 2 T of olive oil and 1 garlic clove finely cut.
- When the garlic is lighly golden add your cleaned and cut artichokes on medium heat. When the artichokes are softened somewhat (after about 5 minutes) add the chopped mushrooms and the balsamic vinegar and cover for an additional 5 minutes on reduced heat. Salt & pepper to taste.
- Remove from the skillet and place in your food processor and add the ricotta and parmesan cheese and blend until smooth in texture.
- Place the artichokes a bowl and add the mayo, lemon juice, the additional garlic cloves, parmigiano cheese and pepper and hand mix until you have a smooth, creamer mixture.
- Pour the contents into a 9 inch baking dish and bake at 350 F for approximately 20 minutes.
- I sometimes will sprinkle the surface of the dip with breadcrumbs prior to placing in the oven.
- FOR A SAUCE, do not bake following the food processor step

ENJOY !

No comments:

Post a Comment