Happy Cinco De Mayo my friends!!

What is everyone doing for this festive day??!!

I have been getting many requests on how to prepare artichokes and new recipes. I found a fabulous link on how to prepare them and I am attaching a few of my very own recipes below.

How To Prepare An Artichoke:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/photos/how-to-trim-an-artichoke.html

Grilled Artichoke Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 artichokes
• 1 lemon (juice)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Sea salt & ground pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, fill the bowl with cold water, and add 1/2 the lemon juice.
2. Trim the tops of the artichokes, and cut them in half.
3. Place the artichokes in the lemon water.
4. In a large pot, fill with water, and bring to a boil.
5. Prepare your outside grill for medium heat.
6. Add the artichokes in the boiling water, and cook for 15 minutes.
7. Drain water, and squeeze remaining lemon juice over artichokes.
8. In a small bowl, add olive oil, garlic, and seasonings.
9. Brush artichokes with a coat of garlic marinade, and place artichoke halves on the grill.
10. Grill for 10 minutes or until brown.
11. Serve with remaining marinade.

Mediterranean Chickpea & Artichoke Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 can roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 2 stalks green onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons fresh basil, diced
• 2 teaspoons fresh mint diced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt & fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, add artichoke hearts, chickpeas, red peppers, feta cheese, olives, and green onion.
2. In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
3. Add dressing to salad, and mix to combine.
4. Chill for two hours.
5. Serve with fresh parsley over the top.