Artichoke Leaves With Parmesan-basil Aioli

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

• 2 large artichokes (do not use thorn-less variety)
• 1/2 lemon
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnishing

Recipe

• 1 cut the stems of the artichokes off flush with the bottom of the leaves. trim about an inch off the top end. remove the small-funky leaves from around the bottoms and trim the remaining leaves with scissors to remove the thorns on the top. to prevent discoloration, rub all of the cut surfaces with the lemon. cook in a steamer with the lemon you used to rub the artichokes with until tender and leaves can be pulled off easily, 45 minutes to 1 hour. let cool.
• 2 combine the mayonnaise (best foods brand if you are on the west coast or hellman’s if you are on the east), parmesan, basil, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper in a small bowl. refrigerate until chilled.
• 3 remove the leaves from the artichokes, starting at the base, until the center is reached. for this dish you will only be using the leaves sturdy enough to hold the aioli, but save the less sturdy ones for your chef’s treat after the guests go home. using a spoon, scrape off the choke and discard. cut off any tough areas on the bottom of the hearts. finely chop the hearts and add to the mayonnaise mixture.
• 4 place 1 teaspoon of the mayonnaise mixture on each artichoke leaf and arrange leaves in an eye pleasing manner on a platter or tray. garnish with the parsley.