Artichoke-Lamb Sandwich Loaves

Name: Artichoke-Lamb Sandwich Loaves
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 24 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup lemon juice; 1/2 cup olive oil; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 boneless leg of lamb (2-1/2 pounds); 2 cans (14 ounces each) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained; 2/3 cup plus 6 tablespoons reduced-fat balsamic vinaigrette, divided; 2 sourdough baguettes (1 pound each); 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced; 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced; 1 package (5.3 ounces) fresh goat cheese, sliced

These tender sandwiches will surely become the talk of any get-together. Helen Hassler of Denver, Pennsylvania hollows out sourdough baguettes before filling them with cucumber, cheese and marinated lamb and artichokes. Simply delicious, the mouthwatering bites are perfect for a spring brunch.

Ingredients

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 boneless leg of lamb (2-1/2 pounds)
2 cans (14 ounces each) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
2/3 cup plus 6 tablespoons reduced-fat balsamic vinaigrette, divided
2 sourdough baguettes (1 pound each)
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 package (5.3 ounces) fresh goat cheese, sliced

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first six ingredients; add lamb. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Drain and discard marinade. Place lamb on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 80-90 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Place artichokes in a resealable plastic bag; add 2/3 cup vinaigrette. Seal bag and turn to coat; let stand for 10 minutes. Drain and discard marinade.
Cut lamb into thin slices. Cut each baguette in half horizontally. Carefully hollow out top and bottom, leaving a 3/4-in. shell. Brush the bottom half of each loaf with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Layer with cucumber, tomatoes, lamb and artichokes; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Top with goat cheese.
Replace bread tops and press down firmly; wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into slices.