Artichokes With Clams Food

ARTICHOKE CONFIT WITH ALMONDS, MANILA CLAMS, AND VERMOUTH

Steps:

• For the artichokes, fill a bowl with water, and squeeze in the juice of half the lemon. Take each artichoke, and remove all outer leaves, and discard. Slice the stem of the artichokes down to 1-inch length, and using a knife, peel away all the outer skin. Rub generously with the remaining lemon. Cut the remaining leaves at the bottom of the base, exposing the hairy choke. With a spoon, scoop out the choke, and discard. Rub the entire surface of the artichoke with lemon, and place in the water. Repeat this process for all the artichokes. Working quickly, slice each artichoke into 4 quarters, and return the pieces to the water. Set aside.
• Place 2 cups of vegetable oil in a heavy saucepan, and heat over medium heat.
• To make the vinaigrette, add the vermouth to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until reduced by 3/4 (the alcohol will probably catch on fire, but do not worry). Add the clam juice and continue to reduce until mixture equals 1 cup. Add the clams, cover pot, and steam until barely open.
• Immediately remove the clams to a small bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth, rinse pan, and return liquid to pan. Add the shallots, and reduce until mixture has thickened slightly, about 1/4 cup. Add the olive oil, tomatoes, a drop of lemon juice, chopped parsley, and set aside in a warm spot.
• Remove clams from shells, and season them lightly with salt. Set aside.
• Drain the artichokes and add them to the oil, and cook gently for 10 minutes. They will bubble vigorously as the moisture evaporates. The artichokes will be done when golden and slightly wrinkled (test one to be sure). Remove from oil, season with salt, and set aside.
• To serve, place a small pile of artichokes in the center of four plates. Place 5 clams around each pile, and spoon the vinaigrette over them. Sprinkle top with toasted almonds, and garnish with a few drops of lemon juice, sliced pearl onions, and sprinkle with chives. Serve immediately.

CRAB STUFFED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Lightly oil baking sheet with olive oil and place in the oven to preheat.
• Trim and clean the artichokes by removing the lower 3 to 4 rows of outer leaves, and leaving 1/2-inch of stem. Trim the sharp tips off the remaining leaves with kitchen shears.
• In large pot, boil or steam artichokes 30 to 45 minutes, or until knife easily enters the base of the leaves. Remove from pan and let cool.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In medium mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. When smooth, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in bread crumbs, tarragon, scallions, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crab meat until well blended.
• Remove leaves from cooled artichokes, and scoop out choke inside. Generously fill artichoke with crabmeat mixture (approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons per artichoke), until a small mound is present in each, Drizzle each lightly with olive oil.
• Bake stuffed artichokes for 20 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned.
• Serve immediately.

ARTICHOKES WITH CLAMS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan.
• Add the garlic and lightly brown, but be careful not to burn!
• Add the flour, and whisk to combine.
• Mix in the wine and stock.
• Add the clams, cover and cook until the clams open,.
• Add the artichoke hearts, and continue to cook until they are heated through.
• Serve immediately.