Foodie Friday Veg Sandwich #2 : Okey Dokey Artichoke

By all standard definitions, this is an appetizer-- we have tiny bread (toasted, of course), a delicious dip-like topping, and an artful sliver of cheese angled just so. It seems made to be eaten with one hand while the other is occupied with a glass of wine. But put it in a little less formal attire and you actually have the makings of a delicious sandwich {and feel free to still pair it with a glass of wine-- I won't tell anyone!}.

Mark and I found this recipe in a back issue of the amazing Cook's Illustrated magazine in a feature about bruschetta. It uses low-fuss ingredients, yet comes together to taste much classier than canned artichokes would lead you to believe. 

Ingredients:
- 1 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced (about 1 tsp)
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. finely shredded fresh basil leaves
- salt and ground black pepper
- 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, 1 oz. finely grated (about 1/4 cup), 1 oz. shaved into strips with vegetable peeler
- 3/4-inch slices of baguette, toasted and lightly rubbed with peeled garlic clove

Directions:
- Pulse artichoke hearts, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, basil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in food processor until coarse puree forms, about six 1-second pulses, scraping down bowl with rubber spatula once during processing.
- Add grated Parmesan and pulse to combine, about two 1-second pulses.
- Toast or broil sliced baguette slices. Rub bread with a piece of peeled garlic, or brush garlic-infused olive oil onto the bread.
- Divide artichoke mixture among toasts and spread to edges.
- Top with shaved Parmesan.
- Sprinkle with black pepper to taste.

Sandwich Directions:
To transform this appetizer into a full-blown, meal-worthy sandwich, upgrade to bakery bread or slice the baguette on an angle to get larger pieces. Follow the same instructions as above, but throw a generous handful of baby spinach onto the bread before eating. Slivered Parmesan can also be swapped out for a more hearty asiago or provelone cheese if you'd like. Any fans of the classic restaurant appetizer Spinach Artichoke Dip will surely enjoy this sandwich--and won't miss the calorie-laden mayonnaise and cream cheese one bit!