Parmesan-Stuffed Artichokes

Name: Parmesan-Stuffed Artichokes
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Cuisine: Italian Appetizers, Italian Recipes
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 9 baby artichokes; 1/4 cup butter; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs; 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese, divided; 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Because artichokes have been part of my Italian heritage for many years, I'm always looking for new ways to serve them. While they can be a little time consuming to prepare, the flavorful end result is well worth the effort. —Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin

Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon juice
9 baby artichokes
1/4 cup butter
2 green onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese, divided
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, combine 8 cups water and lemon juice. Remove and discard outer leaves of artichokes. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the stem of an artichoke. Cut off 1/2-in. from the top; cut in half lengthwise. With a spoon, carefully remove fuzzy center and discard. Place in lemon water and repeat with remaining artichokes.
Drain artichokes and place in a Dutch oven; add 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain.
In a large skillet, saute onions and garlic in butter until tender. Remove from the heat; stir in the bread crumbs, tomatoes, 1/2 cup cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.
Spoon heaping tablespoonfuls crumb mixture into each artichoke half; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.