BAKED ARTICHOKES STUFFED WITH ANCHOVIES AND GARLIC

Baked Artichokes Stuffed with Anchovies and Garlic image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

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4 ounces French bread (1/4 of 1-pound loaf), crusts removed, bread torn into pieces
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup purchased unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
6 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup drained capers
6 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves; 4 chopped, 2 halved
1 lemon, halved
6 medium artichokes

Steps:

Place bread in medium bowl. Pour warm water over; soak 5 minutes. Drain, then squeeze bread dry. Return bread to same bowl. Add 1/2 cup oil, purchased breadcrumbs, mint, capers, anchovies, and chopped garlic; blend well. Season stuffing with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 375°F. Fill large bowl with water. Squeeze in juice from lemon. Cut off all but 1 1/2 inches of stem from 1 artichoke. Peel stem with vegetable peeler. Starting at bottom of artichoke, snap off outer 3 rows of leaves. Cut off top 1/3 of artichoke. Spread leaves, exposing center. Remove center leaves and bristly choke. Place artichoke in lemon water. Repeat with remaining artichokes.
Pour cold water into 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish to reach depth of 1/2 inch. Add halved garlic. Drain artichokes. Pack centers with stuffing. Place artichokes, stuffed side down, in prepared dish. Drizzle with 1/4 cup oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover dish. Bake until tester inserted into artichoke bottoms meets no resistance, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Place artichokes on platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.