Artichoke Torte Recipes

LAYERED TORTE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Cream the cream cheese and salad dressing mix together.
• In separate bowl, stir together artichokes, peppers, salt and black pepper, garlic, and parsley.
• In a 3-cup bowl lined with plastic wrap, alternate layers of cheese and vegetables, beginning and ending with cheese layer.
• Invert onto plate; remove plastic wrap.
• You may garnish the top with additional parsley or with sliced black olives, if desired.
• Serve with crackers or fresh veggie dippers.

ARTICHOKE PESTO TORTA

Steps:

• Blend the artichokes, parsley, nuts, lemon peel, lemon juice, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a food processor, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally, until the artichokes are very finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually pour in 1/4 cup oil. Continue blending until the pesto is creamy. Season the pesto, to taste, with more salt and pepper.
• Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Spray a 2 to 3 cup bowl with nonstick spray. Line the bowl with plastic wrap, extending the plastic over the sides. Spread enough cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared bowl to form a 1/2-inch layer. Top with enough pesto to form a 1/2-inch layer. Repeat layering the remaining cream cheese mixture and pesto. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 2 days.
• Invert the torta onto a platter and remove the plastic. Garnish with parsley sprigs. Serve with bread, crackers, and vegetables.

EASTER ARTICHOKE PIES (TORTE DI CARCIOFO PER PASQUA)

Steps:

• Mix together flour, olive oil, egg, salt, and 3/4 cup cold water in a large bowl until dough just holds together (it should be fairly dry).
• Divide dough into 2 balls, using two-thirds of dough for bottom crusts and one-third for top crusts.
• Roll out dough for bottom crusts on a floured surface until very thin and almost transparent.
• Cut out eight 6 and 1/2-inch circles.
• Wrap bottom crusts in plastic and set aside.
• Roll out dough for top crusts on floured surface and cut out eight 5-inch circles.
• Wrap top crusts in plastic and set aside.
• Prepare the Filling:.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add onions and cook until slightly golden, about 6?8 minutes.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Mix together ricotta cheese, parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and sauteed onions in a large bowl.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 375?F.
• Assemble pies:.
• Place bottom crusts on a lightly oiled and floured baking sheet.
• Spoon 1 and 1/2 tbsp filling on each bottom crust and spread evenly, leaving 1 and 1/2-inch of crust exposed around edge.
• Divide artichokes between pies, arranging on top of filling, then spoon another 1 and 1/2 tbsp filling on top of each and add top crusts.
• To form pies, fold edges of bottom crusts over edges of top crusts.
• Pinch to seal, and then fold over again to create a slightly thicker edge.
• Brush tops with a little olive oil.
• Slit top of each pie 4 times in a crisscross pattern to allow steam to vent during baking.
• Bake until slightly golden, about 25-30 minutes. Serves 8.
• That's it!

ARTICHOKE TORTE

Steps:

• Remove artichoke hearts from jars, reserving liquid.
• Chop up artichoke hearts and place in large saucepan. Add reserved liquid, chopped onion and garlic. Sautee until tender.
• Beat eggs and mix together with artichoke heart mixture and remaining ingredients.
• Place in greased shallow baking dish.
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.