Photo: Erin Kunkel; Styling: Nissa Quanstrom
As delicious as they are, artichokes have a compound that makes wine taste sweet. Tangy goat cheese brings both into balance. Serve the bruschetta with a Sauvignon Blanc that balances refreshing citrus acidity with some oak for richness. The recipe comes from chef and cookbook author John McReynolds of Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma, California. You can start with a fresh artichoke, as he does, or use frozen hearts if you’re short on time.
This recipe, and others like it, can be found in the article “The Recipes You Should Be Cooking in April.”
Cut off and discard artichoke stem and all but 1 1/2 in. from leafy top. Pull off leaves down to pale yellow ones. Cut off all green parts from outside. Halve artichoke through stem and use a pointed teaspoon to dig out fluffy, fibrous choke. Cut artichoke into 1/4-in. dice.
Cook fresh (or thawed frozen) artichoke, shallot, 1 tbsp. oil, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, covered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic; cook until artichoke is tender, 5 minutes more. Let cool.
To artichoke mixture add 2 tbsp. oil, the lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. pepper, the chopped parsley, and olives. Stir; let relish sit at least 1 hour.
Preheat broiler with rack set close to heat. Broil baguette slices on a baking sheet, turning once, until light golden, 3 to 4 minutes total. On 1 side, lightly rub toasts with garlic clove, brush with remaining 1 tbsp. oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Spread toasts with cheese, leaving a corner uncovered, and top with relish. Set a parsley leaf on each.
Make ahead: Topping, up to 1 day, chilled.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.