Grilled Artichokes Brushed with Smoked Garlic Fat

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high, approximately 350ºF to 375ºF.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling add lemons and artichokes and turn heat down to medium-low or a gentle simmer.
3. While artichokes cook, sauté bacon in a small non-stick pan with oil until bacon is fully cooked, crispy and fat has rendered.
4. Add garlic to bacon and remove from heat. Allow garlic to steep in bacon fat at least 15 minutes.
5. Once artichokes stems are just starting to feel tender remove from water to an ice bath to stop cooking process.
6. Once cooled, cut artichokes in half, strain bacon fat removing all particulates. Set aside bacon and garlic mixture as a garnish for artichokes.
7. Brush bacon fat liberally over surface of each artichoke and season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Grill each artichoke cut side down until stems are tender. Allow to cool slightly, serve with bacon and garlic bits evenly over each.