Garlic Crumb Walnut Stuffed Artichokes

"Both walnuts and artichokes have definite flavors, and most people wouldn't think to combine the two. But I remember helping my grandmother stuff these artichokes when I was a child living in Southern California." Marion Cunningham

Ingredients

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then prepare your artichokes.
2. Use a small paring knife to peel the coarse fibers from the artichoke stems and to remove the tough bottom leaves. Use a chef's knife to slice 1-inch off the top of each artichoke. With kitchen scissors, snip off the prickly tops of the remaining side leaves.
3. Drop the artichokes into the boiling water, and boil gently unitl the bottoms of the chokes are tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes, or alternately steam the artichokes on a rack above boiling water until tender, 20 to 30 minutes, depending on size.
4. Remove the artichokes from the water and turn them upside down on a large plate to drain.
5. While the artichokes are cooking, prepare the bread crumbs. Tear each slice of bread into 5 or 6 pieces.
6. Blend a few seconds in a blender or food processor until you have crumbs.
7. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and dry them in a 250 degree Fahrenheit oven until lightly golden, about 15 minutes.
8. While the artichokes are draining, prepare the stuffing. In a medium size bowl, toss together the crumbs, garlic, salt, olive oil and walnuts, and mix well with a spoon or fork.
9. Using your fingers, separate the artichoke leaves so they open up a little. Spoon a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of stuffing between the leaves until all the stuffing is used. Serve warm or chilled.

TIPS: Each slice of bread makes approximately 1/4 cup when crumbled. Each artichoke takes about 1/4 cup of crumbs to stuff. Leave the stems from the artichoke attached until ready to serve.

 

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings.

Per serving:

Calories	405
Total Fat	31g
Saturated Fat	4g
Monounsaturated Fat	16g
Polyunsaturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	860mg
Carbohydrates	29g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Protein	8g