Cremini Mushroom,Tomato & Mozzarella Stuffed Artichoke Hearts With A Side Of Sweet & Dirty Fries

Here's a new way to enjoy artichokes. Stuff them, and have a chunky and flavorful cheesy dip right in the center. I love food you can play with and artichokes are definitely one of them. Kids will love the idea of playing with their food plus all that cheesy goodness on the inside. Sauteed purple onions, tomatoes and cremini mushrooms get sauteed in a little olive oil, then stuffed into the center of the artichokes that have already been boiled and had their hairy centers removed. Sprinkled with mozzarella cheese and placed under the broiler for a few extra minutes and this fun dish is served!

To go along with this tasty but healthy dish, I made something I call Sweet & Dirty Fries. To be honest, you cant actually call them fries because they aren't as crispy as the original french fries since they are baked, but they are still really delicious! Using sweet potatoes, I seasoned them with some olive oil, salt and pepper, and here's where the dirty part comes in; some paprika and  curry added to the seasoning. Bake in the oven until lightly browned.  They are sweet with a hint of spice.

Cremini Mushrooms, Tomato & Mozzarella Stuffed Artichokes
Serves 4.

4 medium artichokes, stems removed
1 cup cremini mushrooms, diced
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 small or half a purple onion, diced
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tbsp. olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper

In a pot of boiling water, add the artichokes and let them cook until leaves have softened, about 45 minutes. In a pan, heat olive oil and saute the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and tomatoes and cook until the onions and mushrooms begin to brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Drain the artichokes. Carefully open up the center leaves and using a spoon, scoop out just the hairy center, being careful not to scrape the heart. Fill the mushroom and tomato mix in the center. Sprinkle with a good amount of cheese. Place on a foil lined baking sheet and place under the broiler for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sweet & Dirty Fries
1 large sweet potato, cut into fries
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. curry powder
2 tablespoons olive oil.

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with all four spices. Toss to coat and place in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and browned a bit.