Jerusalem Artichokes With Roasted Garlic In A Creamy Cheesy Sauc Food

CRISPY JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES WITH ROASTED GARLIC & ROSEMARY

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Soak the artichokes in cold water for 20 mins or so to loosen any dirt, then scrub them with a scourer, being sure to remove any grit. Halve the small ones and quarter the bigger ones, and put them in a roasting tin with the split garlic bulb and rosemary. Coat everything with the oil and season. Roast for 45-50 mins until tender inside and crispy outside.
• To finish, squeeze the softened garlic cloves from their skins and toss with the roasted artichokes, along with the mace, butter and lemon juice.

MASHED JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Place the Jerusalem artichokes in a 2-quart saucepan, and cover with water. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil simmer for 15 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife. Remove from the heat, drain, and place the Jerusalem artichokes in a food processor with the heavy cream, butter, salt and white pepper. Process for 10 to 15 seconds, or until a smooth puree is formed. Remove from the bowl of the food processor, and place in a heat resistant bowl set over a water bath to keep warm for serving.

STEAMED ARTICHOKES AND ROASTED GARLIC DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut off the bottom stems of the artichokes with a serrated knife and rub the artichoke bottoms with the lemon. Cut about 2 inches off the top of the artichoke, drizzle some lemon juice over the top as well.
• Optional: Using kitchen scissors, snip off prickly ends of each leaf for easier enjoyment later.
• Place the artichokes in a steamer and steam 40 to 50 minutes, or until the bottoms are tender when pierced and the leaves pulls out easily. When it's done, quickly plunge into a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking and drain.
• While steaming the artichokes, prepare the garlic for the sauce: Cut off top of garlic bulb (enough to expose tops of most garlic cloves). Drizzle enough olive oil over the cut cloves to drench the top and sides, sprinkle a pinch of salt as well. Wrap foil around the garlic bulb and seal at the top. Roast in 400 degree oven (I use my little toaster oven) for about 30-40 minutes until soft and roasted, browned around the tops and edges is a good indicator. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
• When cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves from their bulbs by pressing with your hands from the bottom of the bulbs to the top (cut side) into a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream, and stir with fork to blend well. Add salt if needed and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
• To eat the artichoke, pull the leaves and dip the bottom tender part into the sauce, pull the tender "meat" with your teeth on the bottom part of the leaves, don't eat (discard) the rough tops. Towards the inside you can bite off more of the tender bottoms of the leaves. Towards the heart of the artichoke, you will see pins and needle-like fuzzy stuff which you can scrape off with a spoon, then you can eat the best part of all, the center or "heart" of the artichoke.

CHEESY BAKED ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F Coat a 9" glass pie plate with cooking spray.
• Place the artichokes in a colander and rinse well with cold water to separate. Drain well, then pat dry with paper towels. Place in the prepared pie plate and sprinkle with the lemon juice.
• In a small bowl, combine the pecans, cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, and oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the artichokes.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden.

GORDON RAMSAY'S JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE RISOTTO WITH SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, add the rice, and stir for 2-3 minutes so the rice absorbs the oil. Add the stock a little at a time, stirring constantly, until it has all been absorbed and the rice is cooked - around 25-30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the artichokes in 3 1/2 tablespoons of the butter until soft. Add the cream. Reduce down until the cream has almost evaporated and the artichokes are velvety in texture, stirring every now and then to make sure it's not catching on the bottom of the pan. Purée in a food processor. Mix the artichoke purée into the rice and add the remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons of butter and the parmesan. Check for seasoning.
• Slice each scallop into three pieces and sauté in hot oil for 1 minute on each side until they're medium-rare. Place on top of the risotto. In a heavy-based pan, heat the sugar until it's a dark golden colour. Carefully add the sherry vinegar and reduce until you have a thick syrup. Drizzle this over the risotto, and serve.