Artichokes With Clams Food

ORECCHIETTE WITH CLAMS AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs, adding the grated broccoli during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, combine the breadcrumbs and 2 teaspoons olive oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes; remove to a bowl.
• Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil with the garlic in a separate pot over medium-high heat. Cook until the garlic is just golden, about 3 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes, clams and wine. Cover and cook until the clams open, 5 to 7 minutes; remove the clams to a bowl using a slotted spoon (discard any unopened clams). Add the butter, pasta, broccoli and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water to the pot; cook, stirring, until the pasta is well coated, about 1 minute. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup cooking water if the pasta seems dry.
• Stir the clams and any juices into the pasta. Drizzle each serving with olive oil and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

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.

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.