Champagne Artichoke Hearts Recipes

TENDER ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Remove the tough outer leaves of the artichoke and carve away the rough outer skin around the base and stem of the vegetable with a paring knife. Halve them and remove the chokes.
• Slice the artichokes and rub each slice with lemon. Soak them in a bowl of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Heat up 3 inches of extra-virgin olive oil in a pot with high sides to 350 degrees F.
• Remove the artichokes from the water and shake and pat off as much water as possible before dredging each slice into the beaten egg, and then into the flour. Fry immediately in batches in the hot oil until golden brown.
• Remove the artichoke slices from the oil, and place them on paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Season with salt immediately. Serve.

CRISPY ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
• In a food processor, combine the crackers, basil, cheese, parsley and garlic salt and process to fine crumbs (the texture of breadcrumbs). Roll the artichoke hearts in the cracker crumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until the cracker crumbs are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Arrange the artichokes on a serving platter with toothpicks. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

ARTICHOKES CHILLED WITH CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Slice about 1 inch off the top of each artichoke and trim the stems. Remove the tough outer leaves and trim any sharp, thorny leaf tips with scissors. Put about 2 inches of water in a large pot with garlic and lemon, insert a rack or steamer basket into the pot and bring the water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath.
• Place the artichokes on the rack (stem end down) and steam uncovered, until the bottom is tender and the outer leaves can be pulled off easily, about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Remove the artichokes with a large spoon and plunge them into the ice bath. Drain and refrigerate until serving time. (Turn the artichokes upside down and leave them upside down in the refrigerator so that all of the water drains from the leaves.).
• (The artichokes can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.).
• In a small bowl, whisk the Champagne vinegar and lemon juice together. Add the herbs & shallots and slowly whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• (The vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.).
• Serve the artichokes with a martini glass with a bowl of vinaigrette to dip the leaves inches.

MEDITERRANEAN CHAMPAGNE CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKE HEARTS AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet on medium heat.
• Add olive oil.
• Add chicken cutlets, and cook on both sides until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
• Remove chicken and set aside.
• In pan with drippings, add butter and cook until melted.
• Add champagne, and turn heat on medium high.
• Add allspice, basil, and paprika and mix well.
• Add in flour while continually stirring.
• Cook until sauce begins to thicken, about a minute or two, constantly stirring so sauce does not burn.
• Add artichoke hearts and olives, and turn heat back to medium.
• Return chicken cutlets to pan, spooning sauce over them.
• Lower heat and add pine nuts, lightly mixing them into mixture.
• Serve chicken with the artichoke, olive, and pine nut mixture over it.