I decided to spend my free morning running errands, culminating with an exciting trip to Trader Joe’s. Ok, it wasn’t really anymore exciting than any other grocery trip, but I’ve now got a question.
While perusing the store, I came across artichoke ravioli, next to which were bottles of artichoke antipasto. Naturally, I realized that sounds like a bitchin’ lunch, so I picked both up.
Though my problem is in regard to what I do with the rest of the antipasto, after the ravioli are gone. I’ve got this big ol’ jar that I have no idea what to do with and that will probably go bad. See, I don’t really know how to cook, so I’m plum out of ideas. I’m more than happy to learn, though!
So, the bottle says: “Trader Giotto’s Artichoke Antipasto. An artichoke sprad with extra virgin olive oil.” Any ideas?
Use it as a snack on its own or mix it into a a bean salad?
OR…buy an additional assortment of antipasto, get some beer and wine, and invite some friends over sometime this weekend?
Or…forget it in the door of your fridge to be unidentifiable months from now?
Buy some Italian ciabatta bread, slice it diagonally into elegant long slices, and toast the slices in the toaster. Spread them with the artichoke spread, and maybe garnish them further with something colorful like Italian parsley and quartered cherry tomatoes or slivers of roasted red pepper. Then drizzle them with a little olive oil and serve them as a starter before your dinner.
Ooh, I forgot - I once whisked up some vinaigrette with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and then whisked in a generous tablespoon or two of this artichoke spread. It made a fabulous artichoke-y dressing for a salad of romaine and tomatoes.