Stuffed artichokes

One of my most favorite foods is a stuffed artichoke. It looks a little scary at first like a weird flower or something, but it really is very yummy. This picture I took doesn't make it look quite as delicious as it really is, but I wanted it to be authentic. I know most of you won't make this dish, but at least give Mr. Artichoke another chance.

2 artichokes

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 cup EVOO

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tbs. fresh chopped parsley

2 cups chicken stock

Wash artichokes in cool water. Sometimes they have little sharp points on the edges of their leaves, cut those off with kitchen scissors. Place a steaming basket in the bottom of a pan filled with 2 inches of boiling water and steam for 35 minutes. Set artichokes aside and let cool. In a medium size bowl pour in half of the olive oil and lemon juice (reserve other half for topping before serving), all of the cheese, garlic, parsley and bread crumbs. Mix well. Set stuffing mixture aside. take the cooled artichoke and pull back leaves exposing the center of the artichoke. Remove inner leaves and 'choke' ( the stuff that looks like hair...I know I've lost some of you already :)). Divide the mixture evenly into two parts. Open the outer leaves and with a spoon put some of the mixture at the base of the leaves. When you get to the center, fill it with the rest of the mixture. Pour remaining lemon juice and EVOO on top of artichoke. Place in a glass baking dish and fill the bottom of the dish with chicken stock. Bake for 40 minutes covered at 350 and take foil off for last 5 minutes to brown.

So, pretty much you pull off a leaf and scrape the meaty part and stuffing off then work your way to the center. The heart of the best part!