Recipe Introduction:

Quote from Cosmo: “This one must be protected! No no, not the recipe but the fried artichokes. Traditionally we had these New Year’s Eve but they are so delicious that my family decided to have them anytime I was willing to make them. And we do. Part of the tradition was to keep people away from the stove – none of that “please – just one?’ And the other was to place the fried artichokes in a bowl and keep the bowl under my dining room chair. No kidding, if I didn’t they would be gone before you knew it.”

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen artichoke packages
• 4 or 5 large eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 Tablespoons paprika
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon pepper
• 2 cups olive oil
• Cast iron fry pan

Instructions:

• Thaw artichokes and place in a colander and drain until dry
• On a large plate, place the flour, paprika, salt and pepper, then mix by hand
• Beat the eggs in a bowl
• Pour the oil into a cast iron frying pan and set a medium heat
• Dip the artichokes in the eggs and then cover them with the flour mixture.
• When the oil is hot, place the artichokes side-by- side until golden brown then turn to brown the other side
• Place the artichokes on paper towels to absorb excess oil
• While still warm, try one then add more salt and/or pepper according to your taste… I always add more pepper.

Number of Servings: Four to six.

Final Comments:

Quote from Cosmo: “These are best when eaten warm. They are very tasty even at room temperature but I doubt if you’ll have that opportunity. Next time use three boxes of frozen artichokes. Bona appititu!”