Recipe: Artichoke Seafood Salad

ARTICHOKE SEAFOOD SALAD

FOR THE ARTICHOKES:
6 large artichokes, trimmed
2 lemons, halved
4 bay leaves
1 tbsp salt
FOR THE SALAD:
1/2 lb large shrimp (about 16), boiled, cooled, and peeled
1/2 lb lump crabmeat (about 1 cup), picked over
1/2 lb boiled, peeled crawfish tails (about 1 cup)
2 cups bibb lettuce
2 cups shredded radicchio
1 cup homemade or prepared herb vinaigrette
freshly-ground black pepper to taste

In a large, nonreactive pot bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add artichokes. Squeeze juice from lemon halves into water, then add peels along with bay leaves and salt. Cover, reduce heat to simmering and cook until artichokes are tender, and base can be pierced with tip of a knife, about 25 minutes.

Drain artichokes. When artichoke is cool enough to handle, trim stem from base, to make bottom flat. Cut off 1-inch of leaves from top. Placing artichoke on its base, spread apart outer leaves and carefully remove and discard center section and fuzzy choke, leaving outer leaves intact.

In a bowl combine seafood, lettuce, radicchio and vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss well.

Using a slotted spoon, fill each artichoke cup with about 1 cup of seafood salad. To serve, drizzle some of remaining vinaigrette over artichokes.

Servings: 6