Camp Fire Artichokes Recipes

Steps:

• Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Mix together the spinach, artichokes, ricotta, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1/3 cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk together the half-and-half, mozzarella, remaining 4 ounces cream cheese, remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl until smooth and combined. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until warm and smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Spread 1/2 cup cheese sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Stuff a heaping tablespoon of the spinach mixture into each shell and arrange them in the baking dish seam-side up. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the shells, cover with foil and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 13 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix the olive oil, breadcrumbs and parsley, if using, in a small bowl until well combined. Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the mixture over the shells. Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, about 10 minutes.

Steps:

• Cooking these artichokes is a two step process.
• First trim the stems flat and the tops about one inch.
• Then trim the tips of the petals with scissors.
• Steaming process:.
• Steam them stem side up using a steamer rack about 30 to 45 minutes or until the base of the stem is tender. This will depend on the size of the chokes. The ones that came with this recipe are HUGE so it might take these a little longer.
• Grilling:.
• Once the campfire or backyard grill is hot, gently spread the petals of the cooked artichokes and generously spray each one with non-fat cooking spray. Make sure spray gets between petals. Generously dust each arichoke with 1 tablespoon of mesquite seasoning or taco seasoning, followed by a half a teaspoon of garlic salt. Place cooked artichokes directly on grill. Turn frequently until outside petals are evenly charred.
• According to the recipe, there is no need for dipping sauces, since they have a wonderful smoky flavor. However, I think I will have some on hand, just in case.
• Once you get to the heart of the choke, remove it along with any spiny petals with a spoon.

Steps:

• For the Calabrian pepper aioli: In a food processor, combine and puree the lemon juice, Dijon mustard and peppers. Fold the mayonnaise into the puree and mix well. Reserve.
• For the artichokes: Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise, splitting the stem. Remove the two bottom layers of leaves and, with a potato peeler, peel the stem until the outer fibers are removed. With a small spoon, dig out the inner fibers at the center of the artichoke.
• Submerge the artichokes in a bowl of cold water and add the lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Bring 1 gallon water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of the salt, stirring until dissolved. Add the artichoke halves to the boiling water and cook until a fork inserts easily into the stem, 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon the size of the artichoke. Remove from the boiling water and place in ice cold water to chill.
• Heat a char broiler or wood-fired grill. Brush the cut side of the artichokes with the oil, season with the remaining 2 teaspoons salt and the pepper. Place cut-side down on the grill and cook until heated through.
• Serve with the Calabrian pepper aioli.

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. In a 6-qt. Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add spinach; cook and stir just until wilted, 1-2 minutes. Remove from pot., In same pot, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, wine and seasonings; stir until smooth. Stir in artichoke hearts; heat through., Drain pasta; add to sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in spinach mixture. Transfer to a serving dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve immediately.