Stuffed Artichokes - artichokes

Method

• Prepare Artichokes: Cut 1 inch off top row and trim off stem (leave about 1/4 inch of the stem). Using a pair of scissors, trim between 1/4 to 1/2 inch inch off the tops of the outer leaves. Rinse off the artichokes.
• Prepare Meat: Prepare meat according to your meatball recipe, or use the following recipe: Mix 1 pound ground chuck, salt, pepper, garlic (crushed or powder), seasoned bread crumbs (moistened with water), parsley flakes, grated romano or parmesan cheese, and 1 egg.
• Stuff the artichoke with meat mixture by taking spoonful sized portions of meat and tuck them inside each leaf (start with bottom leaves and work up to the top of the artichoke).
• Place the stuffed artichokes in an appropriate sized casserole dish, add extra hearts (optional) and smother with sauce. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours.