Castroville Special Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat. (The artichokes can also be done in a grill pan.)
• Using a heavy-duty pair of kitchen shears, cut the pointy tips off the leaves of the artichokes. Put the artichokes in a large pot and add cold water to cover. Add the white wine, lemons, garlic, thyme and 3 tablespoons salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer about 30 minutes or until a paring knife easily pierces the heart. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, make the remoulade sauce. In a food processor or by hand with a whisk, mix together the yolks and mustard. Add the oil in a slow, steady stream until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped herbs and, if desired, Pernod to taste.
• Peel off the outer leaves and halve the artichokes. Using a spoon, scrape the choke from the center of the heart.
• Grill the artichokes, turning once, until heated through and lightly charred on the outside, about 4 minutes. The artichokes can also be served chilled, without grilling. Serve with the remoulade.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Drain artichoke hearts over a small bowl, reserving marinade.
• Coarsley chop artichokes.
• With a spoon, spread some marinade on the bottom half of a crusty roll.
• Place equal amounts of chopped artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and cheese inside each roll.
• Wrap each sandwich in foil.
• Bake until cheese melts and sandwich is heated through, 10-15 minutes.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Spoon into a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Combine the cracker crumbs and butter until crumbly; sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.