Carciofi al forno (baked artichokes)

A delicious platter of stuffed artichokes, what can be better after a day in the sun !
I love carciofi (artichokes) because of their texture and moreover, their odd form, much like a prehistoric plant that has managed to exist over the thousands of years, evolved and finally found its plate !


YOU'LL NEED:
(serves six)

- 6 artichokes (large, deep purple in color)
- 3 lemons
- 6 thinly sliced prosciutto di parma (do not use bacon or ham)
- 12 oz of mild Gorgonzola (keep at room temp)
- 2 T spoons cooking cream (panna da cucinare)
- 3 t spoons chopped thyme
- 3 t spoons chopped parley
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 t spoon ground black pepper
- 1 T spoon good balsamic vinegar
- 4 T spoons breadcrumbs
- 3 T spoons olive oil (extra virgin)

PREPARATION:
- You will first need to trim your lovely artichokes, pick one up and hold it a eye level and just look at this wonder ! Set down and carefully trip off the stem and the base leaves so that the bottom is flat. Continue to cut about 1 to 1.5 inches the top and with a kitchen shear, cut the pointed tips of all leaves. You will also want to tear off (with your hands) the larger outer leaves.
- Prepare a pot of boiling, salted water (with about 1 T spoon of olive oil) and add in the cleaned artichokes, also add the halved lemons to the water along with the carciofi.
- You will need to cook the artichokes for approximately 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- Drain and set aside.
- Open the tops of the artichokes and line the holed center with the thinly sliced prosciutto.
- Now you will need to prepare the stuffing so take out a small bowl and place the Gorgonzola, the cooking cream, thyme, 2 t spoons of parsley, the garlic as well as the salt and pepper and mix by hand.
- In an additional bowl, add together the breadcrumbs and 2 t spoons of parsley with a spoon of olive oil.
- Pre-heat your oven to 400 F.
- Remove the center of the artichokes with a small metal spoon. Now add in your cheese mixture in the center of the artichoke.
- Place the artichokes into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs mixture over the top of the artichokes and drizzle over the tops olive oil.
- Bake until the artichokes topped breadcrumbs are golden and crips (20 minutes circa).
- Transfer to a serving platter.

ENJOY !!