Food & Recipes

Hot Artichoke Appetizers

You have to marinate the artichokes overnight for this appetizer recipe. The longer they soak, the better they taste!

40 appetizers

Ingredients:

• 3 packages (10 ounces each) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, or 3 cans (14 ounces each) artichoke hearts, drained
• Five 4-inch square slices (1 ounce each) ham, at least 97% lean
• MARINADE
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey

Directions:

1. If the artichoke hearts are large, cut them into quarters. If they are small, cut them in half. You should have about 40 pieces.
2. Place all of the marinade ingredients in a blender, and process for 30 seconds, or until smooth. Place the artichoke hearts in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
3. Cut each ham slice into eight 1/2-inch strips. Drain the artichoke hearts, and discard the marinade. Wrap a ham strip around each artichoke piece, and secure with a wooden toothpick.
4. Arrange the wrapped artichokes in a shallow baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Transfer to a serving platter, and serve hot.

Excerpted from The Best-Kept Secrets of Healthy Cooking by Sandra Woodruff, R.D. Copyright © 2000 by Sandra Woodruff.

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