Artichoke Poppers Waioli Balsamic Reduction Recipes

ASIAGO-ARTICHOKE POPPERS

Steps:

• In medium bowl, mix 2/3 cup Asiago cheese, the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon peel, salt and pepper. Roll each artichoke piece in mixture until coated. Place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour.
• In 3 separate small bowls, place flour, eggs and bread crumbs. Dip each cheese-coated artichoke piece in flour and then in egg; roll in bread crumbs until coated. Return to cookie sheet.
• In heavy saucepan or large skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Fry poppers, a few at a time, in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 250°F oven until serving time. Sprinkle poppers with additional Asiago cheese. Garnish with lemon.

ROASTED BALSAMIC ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Wash artichokes in cold water.
• Snip off sharp points and trim the stem.
• Cut artichokes in half length-wise.
• Carefully cut or snip out the spiny inner leaves and remove the "choke" completely.
• Place in a bowl of water with lemon juice to avoid browning.
• In a large pot, combine chicken broth with water and bring to a boil.
• Boil covered artichokes for 20 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Remove artichokes from pot and baste them on both sides with the oil and vinegar mixture.
• Place artichokes cut side down on a grill set to medium.
• Turn after 5-7 minutes and baste again.
• Pour remaining mixture into the cups of the artichokes.
• Cook an additional 5-8 minutes, careful not to char the artichokes.
• Serve hot with or without dip.

ARTICHOKE POPPERS W/AIOLI & BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Steps:

• 1. HERBED GOAT CHEESE: In a small bowl, mix together oregano, thyme, basil, marjoram, minced onion and garlic, thoroughly. In another small bowl, cream goat's milk cheese. Add spice mix and mix well. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
• 2. GARLIC AIOLI RECIPE: In a small bowl, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use
• 3. BALSAMIC REDUCTION: While poppers are frying, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a small sauce pan, and saute minced garlic on medium heat, until lightly brown. Pour in vinegar and turn heat up to med-high, bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer until liquid has reduced by half. Remove and slightly cool.
• 4. ARTICHOKE POPPERS: Take cans of artichokes hearts, drain, lightly rinse and let dry slightly. In the palm of your hand, gently open up the center of the artichoke heart to make a cavity for a filling using your finger. Fill cavity with Goat Cheese mixture, until full. Press sides of artichoke around the cheese to secure cheese in place. Wipe off any excess cheese that over flows the artichoke. Repeat with remaining artichokes. Preheat fryer. DREDGING: Place scrambled eggs, bread flour & Panko into 3 separate bowls. Dip filled artichokes into egg, then lightly dust in bread flour, then dip back into egg and then roll in Panko bread crumbs evenly. Repeat process to the rest of the artichokes. In a preheated fryer, place artichokes poppers into fryer, and fry until lightly golden brown. About 3-6 minutes. Depending on size of poppers. Repeat until all is cooked.
• 5. PLATING: Serve artichoke poppers over a plated garlic aioli sauce with drizzled balsamic vinegar reduction. And enjoy!