Artichokes with Smoked Salmon Pasta

Ingredients:

• 4 medium cooked California artichokes
• 8 ounces orzo-style pasta
• cup EACH plain yogurt and low-calorie mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, optional
• 4 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cut artichokes in half lengthwise. Remove center petals and fuzzy centers of artichokes. Cook orzo according to package directions. Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, dill and mustard; add to cooked and drained orzo and mix well. Gently stir in smoked salmon; season with salt and pepper. Fill centers of prepared artichokes with pasta mixture. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

To Cook Artichokes: trim stems so artichokes stand upright. Cut 1/4 to 1/3 off top of artichokes. Stand prepared artichokes in deep saucepan or pot with 3 inches boiling salted water. If desired, oil, lemon juice and seasonings can be added to cooking water. Cover and boil gently 25 to 40 minutes, depending on size, or until petal near center pulls out easily. Stand artichokes upside down to drain.