Bechamel Sauce For Artichoke Bottoms Au Gratin Recipes

ARTICHOKE BOTTOMS AU GRATIN

Steps:

• Snap off most tough outer leaves from artichokes. Trim 1 1/2 inches from top. In pot of water, place artichokes, 1 1/2 lemons, thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Cover with smaller-size lid to keep artichokes submerged. Cook over medium heat until hearts are tender when pierced with knife, about 30 minutes.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. When artichokes are tender, drain, remove remaining leaves, and discard all but the smallest, most tender ones. Set those aside. Remove choke completely with melon baller or spoon, and rub artichoke bottoms with remaining lemon half. In a glass pie pan or gratin dish, strew leaves and mix in half of bechamel. Lightly butter artichoke bottoms, season with salt and pepper, and place on top of bechamel. Place folded piece of prosciutto in each bottom; fill with a rounded mound of bechamel.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Rub the tops with butter, and bake for 5 minutes more. Serve one or two bottoms per person along with some of the leaves.

BECHAMEL SAUCE FOR ARTICHOKE BOTTOMS AU GRATIN

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute shallots in butter over medium heat until translucent, without browning, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne. Mix; reduce heat as much as possible.
• Add flour in thirds, whisking constantly. When fully incorporated, cook without browning, 3 to 5 minutes, until floury taste is gone.
• Add milk in thirds, whisking constantly. Texture should be thick with no lumps. Add bay leaf; continue to cook 7 to 10 minutes.
• Strain through a sieve; add cheese while bechamel is still hot. Adjust seasoning to taste. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of sauce, and refrigerate up to three days.

ARTICHOKE HEARTS AU GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly spray a shallow baking dish or glass pie plate with cooking spray.
• Arrange artichoke hearts in the bottom of dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup salad dressing over artichokes.
• Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove, spread cheese over the top, and drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup salad dressing. Return to oven, and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Turn off oven. Sprinkle fried onions over the top, and return to oven for 1 minute.

ARTICHOKES AU GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a small skillet, saute artichokes and garlic in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish., In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted., Pour over artichokes; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Combine crumbs and paprika; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

ARTICHOKE BOTTOMS STUFFED WITH CRABMEAT AU GRATIN

Steps:

• For the Artichoke Bottoms Stuffed with Crabmeat Au Gratin: Directions: 1. In bowl combine the Hollandaise sauce, crabmeat, red bell pepper and lemon zest. Set aside. 2. Remove the artichokes from the can and drain on paper towel. 3. Fill each artichoke bottom with crabmeat mixture and top with the Monterrey Jack cheese. 4. Sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper on top. 5. Bake in 450° oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown. Makes 10-14 artichoke bottom appetizers. Serves 6 as an appetizer or first course. For Hollandaise Sauce: Directions: 1. In a heatproof bowl, place the egg yolks and whisk in the vinegar and cream 2. Add a pinch of salt and dash of cayenne pepper 3. Place the bowl over a pot of very hot water, being sure the water does not boil. 4. Whisk the egg yolk mixture until it is thick like a heavy cream. 5. Add the butter, a little at a time, whisking constantly to blend. 6. Once all the butter is incorporated into the mixture, whisk in the lemon juice. 7. To keep warm, cover with foil and keep bowl over pot of warm water. Makes 1 cup

MOM'S BEST DIPPING SAUCE FOR STEAMED ARTICHOKE

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in a glass or ceramic bowl.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Chill for at least one hour.

DIPPING SAUCE FOR ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Mix the mayonnaise and garlic together in a small bowl. Add the lemon juice and basil; whisk until thoroughly combined. Beat the Worcestershire sauce into the mixture. Serve immediately, or chill until serving.