Jarred Artichokes - What to do?

Dear Foodmomiac,

As a hostess gift we got a big basket of Italian food goodies, and
now I don't know what to do with some of them. For example, I have a jar of grilled artichokes that which sounds wonderful, but I don't know how to use them. Any suggestions?

Lauren

Hi Lauren,

They would be awesome tossed with pasta. I'd do an olive oil/garlic sauce - maybe add a few capers? Garlic and oil sauces are quite simple. Slice garlic thinly, and cook in extra virgin olive oil over VERY low heat until it JUST begins to brown. Toss with pasta and artichokes and you are all set! (My mom adds chopped parsley - a nice touch.)

Bruschetta/Crostini type hors d'oeuvres - toast slices of baguette, rub with raw garlic, spray or brush with a touch of olive oil, put chokes on top, maybe a slice of fresh mozzerella or a healthy shave of parmigiano reggiano - put under broiler till bubbly.

Omelettes or fritatta or quiche - artichoke goes great with gruyere or comte or any other nutty cheese.

Homemade pizza - I like a white pizza with ricotta, mozzerella, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and artichokes - also nice with some carmelized onions. You absolutely do NOT need to make the crust yourself. I often pick up a shell at our local Italian market. A Boboli would work fine.

As an antipasto - with some nice chunks of Italian cheese, salami and olives. Roasted red pepper would round this out nicely.

Good luck!