Al Roker's Artichoke Dip

Al Roker's Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

1 can artichoke hearts, mashed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 dash garlic powder
1 dash hot sauce


Directions:
Mix together and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Penne with Artichoke Sauce (Helathy)

Penne with Artichoke Sauce

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 large artichokes, trimmed
1 cup water, divided
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
12 ounces whole-wheat penne, mostaccioli or rigatoni

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until limp and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

2. Cut the trimmed artichokes lengthwise into thin wedges and add to the pan along with 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the artichokes are tender, about 10 minutes. Increase heat to high, add wine and oregano; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.

3. Transfer about 1/3 of the artichoke mixture to a blender or food processor, add the remaining 1/4 cup water and puree until smooth. Return the puree to the pan containing the remaining artichoke mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and add to the artichoke sauce. Toss well and serve.

Artichoke Salad

Artichoke Salad

4 Each Fresh artichoke hearts
1 Tablespoon Wine vinegar
2 Cups Artichoke hearts, quartered
1 Teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce
1 Each Small garlic clove
2 Teaspoons Salt
1 Teaspoon Lea & Perrins
3 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 Tablespoon Lemon juice

In a wooden salad bowl, mash garlic and salt with a strong fork. Add
fresh artichoke hearts, and mash with the garlic and salt. Add olive
oil, stir, add lemon juice, stir, add wine vinegar, stir, stir, add hot
sauce, stir, add Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, Mix well.Put
canned artichoke hearts in dressing and let marinate for 1 hour, then
eat as is or serve on a bed of greens.

Aegean Artichoke & Penne Pasta Salad

6 fresh baby artichokes
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 pound penne pasta
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of one lemon
2 cloves garlic -- minced
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
3 tablespoons fresh basil -- or 1 tsp. dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup fresh tomato -- chopped
1/2 cup olives -- Kalamata
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 cup feta cheese -- optional


1. Cut stems off artichokes. Peel off tough outer leaves to reveal
yellow-green hearts. Cut artichokes into quarters. Combine 1/4 cup lemon juice with 2 cups water in a medium bowl. Add artichokes to lemon water and toss to prevent discoloration. Drain. Steam artichokes until tender, about 20 minutes. chill.

2. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts water to a rapid boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and penne. Cook penne until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

3. To make salad dressing: combine tomato juice, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender and puree for 30 seconds.

4. Toss together artichokes, penne, capers, olives and feta cheese in a large bowl salad bowl. Pour dressing over and toss well.