Weekly Menu & Stuffed Artichokes

{For those who are interested}

Weekly Menu:

Monday-Pasta @ Dad/mom's

Tuesday: Amazing oven baked chicken fingers

Wednesday: BBQ Ribs

Thursday: Grilled Venison Steaks 

Friday: Chicken Marsala

Saturday: Out for sushi

Sunday: Pasta
Holiday gatherings are here; what will you be serving?
A surprisingly easy side or appetizer!
Try 
Stuffed Artichokes

Ingredients:

• 4-5 artichokes
• 1 cup of bread crumbs
• 2 cloves of garlic-chopped
•  1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 T parsley
• 6 T extra virgin olive oil
• Salt/pepper to taste

Directions:
Rinse and soak the artichokes in cold water.

Cut the bottom stem off, so that the artichoke can stand on its own.

Trim the pointy leaves off too.

In a bowl, mix the stuffing 

{bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, cheese, salt/pepper & 2 T evoo}

Gently pull the leaves out a bit and "stuff" the artichoke with the mixture.
Place the stuffed artichokes in water--it should come halfway up the artichokes.

Cover & simmer on med-low for 45 minutes to an hour.

Most of the water should evaporate.
You'll know they're ready when the leaves just come off easily.

Serve with a little salt.
*NOTE-I had never made these and was a bit nervous too, because my mother in law and Joey's grandmother are phenomenal cooks.  I have heard how amazing their stuffed artichokes are. I get this way with a lot of typical Italian-esque foods.  I worry that my dish won't be as good...but a motivational book or cd, will teach you to do one thing each day, that scares you.
Maybe you're not scared to cook something, some real Italians can cook really well, but what's one thing you could do today that may push you out of your comfort zone?
These were pretty tasty.
My hubby ate 3.
***Don't forget to enter my Wickless Candle Scentsy Giveaway by Friday @ 8am! ***