ARTICHOKE POPPERS W/AIOLI & BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Artichoke Poppers w/Aioli & Balsamic Reduction image

This recipe was something I had to make after having it Artichoke Poppers at a Hoolihan's resturant in Garland, Texas with a friend...took me a couple of months of testing and then figured it out....Such a fave. Labor intensive but well worth the work...if you love Artichokes. Artichokes stuffed with Herbed Goat cheese. Served...

Provided by Melissa Goff

Time 5h50m

Number Of Ingredients 23

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Ingredients

HERBED CHEESE
3/4 tsp oregano, dried
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
1/4 tsp basil, dried
1/4 tsp marjoram, dried
1/4 tsp minced onion, dried
1/4 tsp minced garlic, dried
6 oz plain goats milk cheese
GARLIC AIOLI SAUCE
3/4 c mayonnaise
3 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
BALSAMIC REDUCTION
1 Tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can(s) balsamic vinegar
ARTICHOKE POPPERS
2--8.5oz can(s) artichoke hearts, drained, rinse and dried
3 eggs, scrabbled
1/2 c all purpose flour
2 c italian style panko bread crumbs

Steps:

1. HERBED GOAT CHEESE: In a small bowl, mix together oregano, thyme, basil, marjoram, minced onion and garlic, thoroughly. In another small bowl, cream goat's milk cheese. Add spice mix and mix well. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
2. GARLIC AIOLI RECIPE: In a small bowl, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use
3. BALSAMIC REDUCTION: While poppers are frying, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a small sauce pan, and saute minced garlic on medium heat, until lightly brown. Pour in vinegar and turn heat up to med-high, bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer until liquid has reduced by half. Remove and slightly cool.
4. ARTICHOKE POPPERS: Take cans of artichokes hearts, drain, lightly rinse and let dry slightly. In the palm of your hand, gently open up the center of the artichoke heart to make a cavity for a filling using your finger. Fill cavity with Goat Cheese mixture, until full. Press sides of artichoke around the cheese to secure cheese in place. Wipe off any excess cheese that over flows the artichoke. Repeat with remaining artichokes. Preheat fryer. DREDGING: Place scrambled eggs, bread flour & Panko into 3 separate bowls. Dip filled artichokes into egg, then lightly dust in bread flour, then dip back into egg and then roll in Panko bread crumbs evenly. Repeat process to the rest of the artichokes. In a preheated fryer, place artichokes poppers into fryer, and fry until lightly golden brown. About 3-6 minutes. Depending on size of poppers. Repeat until all is cooked.
5. PLATING: Serve artichoke poppers over a plated garlic aioli sauce with drizzled balsamic vinegar reduction. And enjoy!