Artichokes and Spinach au Gratin

Notes: Up to 1 day ahead, assemble casserole, cover, and chill. If you can find frozen artichoke bottoms at a well-stocked supermarket, simmer 6 of them in seasoning liquid (step 2) for 10 minutes. For 12 servings, make 2 casseroles.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 6  artichokes (4 to 4 1/2 in. wide) or 2 packages (9 oz. each) frozen artichoke hearts
• 1  teaspoon  dried thyme
• 1  teaspoon  coriander seed
• 1  teaspoon  dried basil
• 1/2  teaspoon  coarsely crushed black peppercorns
• Spinach filling
• 3/4  cup  shredded gruyère or Swiss cheese

Preparation

1. Rinse and drain fresh artichokes. Trim leaves off just above artichoke bottoms. Discard leaves or save to cook separately.

2. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 quarts water, thyme, coriander, basil, and peppercorns to a boil. Add fresh artichoke bottoms, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until bottoms are tender when pierced, about 30 minutes. (Or add frozen artichoke hearts and simmer until thawed and seasoned, about 10 minutes.) Drain artichokes. Trim coarse fibers from artichoke bottoms, break off remaining leaves, and scoop out and discard fuzzy centers.

3. Place artichokes in a shallow 8- or 9-inch-wide casserole; turn bottoms cup side up. Cover artichokes with spinach filling and sprinkle with cheese.

4. Bake in a 350° oven until cheese is lightly browned, about 35 minutes (45 minutes if chilled).

Nutritional Information

Calories:

192 (47% from fat)

Protein:

12g

Fat:

10g (sat 5.9)

Carbohydrate:

17g

Fiber:

7.9g

Sodium:

194mg

Cholesterol:

32mg