Grilled Artichoke with Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Directions

Place artichokes, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and fill pot with enough cold water to cover the artichokes in a large pot. Boil for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender. Remove artichokes from pot and let cool.

Preheat grill. When artichokes have cooled, slice in 1/2 lengthwise and remove the choke. Brush each half with the remaining oil, season with salt and pepper and grill cut-side down for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn over and grill an additional minute.

Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette:

5 plum tomatoes, smoked and chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

Place tomatoes, salt and pepper, vinegar, garlic and basil and olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth.