Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes            

This is my absolute favorite way to make artichokes. They are so full of flavor and really look lovely on the plate. I could make a meal out of them and I have!

Ingredients:
4 Large artichokes
1 Lemon, cut in half
4 Cups water
3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Large cloves garlic, minced
2 Cups seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 Tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 Cup grated Romano cheese
1 Tsp salt
1 Tsp olive oil
1 Lemon cut into thin slices
 

Directions
Place cleaned artichokes in bowl with lemon halves and water.

While artichokes are soaking, make stuffing by heating butter and oil in 8-inch skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add bread crumbs and dried Italian seasoning. Stir for 1 minute while bread crumbs brown slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese.

Spread artichokes leaves open by banging the chokes upside down on work surface and fill each with about 1/2 cup crumb mixture. Place each artichoke in a deep pot with water 1/4 way up side of pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt to water and drizzle the 1 tablespoon oil over artichokes and place lemon slices on top. Cover: bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook on low for 45 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and serve room temperature.