Artichoke Bites

Makes 48 appetizers

The holidays are upon us and you are wondering what type of appetizers your guests will enjoy. Artichoke bites are simple to make yet your guests will rave about it and ask you for the recipe. They will melt in your mouth and release a burst of flavor that mingles the flaky pie shell, the savory artichoke topping and the sharp taste of the cheese blend.

Pie Crust *

1 lb. Lard (cold)

6 C sifted Flour

2 tsp Salt

1 ¼ C plus 1 TBS Ice Cold Water

Miniature Muffin Pan

Filling

8 oz. Jared Artichoke Topping *

6 oz. Sargento Shredded Italian Cheese Blend *

Blend the flour and lard using a pastry blender or your electric mixer on low speed.  Add the water and salt and mix with your hands until a ball forms.  Divide in half, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 15 minutes.  This will make two crusts. 

Preheat your oven to 425°.  Roll out the pie crust into two 11” circles on a floured board.  If you are using a prepared pie crust, let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes and then unroll on a large cutting board. 

Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out 48 rounds from the pie crust.  Using two thumbs press each round into the bottom of an ungreased miniature muffin cup.  Pierce the bottom of the pie crust four times with a fork.

Bake the tartlet pie crusts for 6 to 8 minutes in a 425° oven or until golden brown.  Carefully remove the tartlet crusts from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.

Note: The tartlet crusts can be made up to 2 days in advance if kept in an airtight container or frozen for up to two months.

Preheat oven to 350°. Place the tartlet crusts on a cookie sheet.  Fill each tartlet crust with ½ tsp of Artichoke Topping.  Top each filled crust with shredded cheese.  Bake the filled artichoke bites for 5 to 6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.  You must watch them so that they do not burn!

Place the baked bites on a serving tray and watch your company ask for more.

*  Pronto Substitutes

Pie Crust – Use Prepared Ready-to-Bake Pie Crust

Artichoke Topping – Use jarred Artichoke Topping, Bruschetta Topping, or Grilled Vegetable Toppings

Cheese Blend – Use Shredded Italian Cheese Blend or mix shredded Mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Artichokes

Artichokes are a unique food in the way they affect the taste of everything they touch.  Artichokes contain a chemical called Cynarin which has the unique capability of making everything you eat or drink taste sweet.  This unique capability gives artichokes the ability to enhance the flavor of any dish.  Artichokes not only taste good but they’re good for you! Artichokes are very rich in fiber and can help reduce cholesterol.

To print a copy of this recipe go to Artichoke Bytes