Clafoutis...."Gesundheit"

Yes, bless me. For learning how to handle the fresh, beautiful, but spiky artichoke. While I can't see myself again preparing fresh artichokes the way I did this month, I am happy that I know how to trim, and serve them. And I learned a few recipes along the way that I think might be done just as well with the aid of a trusty can opener.

I did my Challenge Dinner for Easter with John's sister and family. I recreated the stuffed artichokes from my last blog posting and they were much better. Still lacked a little flavor, but hey they were soft and well...not dangerous. This is my niece Cara, helping me stuff the artichokes. She doesn't look happy but I assure you we were having a great time.

As well I went out on a limb and made (without practice) artichoke clafoutis: pronouced kla-foo-TEE. It makes you want to say "GESUNDHEIT" , doesn't it? What is it you ask? It is a custard-like dish usually made with fruit. Here is a picture of the Artichoke Clafoutis..."Gesundheit!"

I served these two dishes with ham and a striped bass (thank you challenge #3). I think the meal over all was good, and I know we had a great time, but not convinced on the stuffed artichokes (at least the stuffing I used) or the Clafoutis..."Gesundheit". Maybe I will try the Clafoutis..."Gesundheit" again with fruit this summer. That will give me even more opportunity to overuse the Gesundheit joke. Yes, it's a plan!