Artichoke Squares

This is a recipe from one of the many Junior League cookbooks in my collection.  This one is called "Savannah Style" and I quote..."the emphasis is on simple but elegant food, well within the ability of the busy person who cares about graceful living and stylish entertaining, but who must accomplish it with less help than in days past."  Well, I do care about both of the aforementioned things but I don't have any less help than in days past...I've never had "The Help"!  (But we do strongly recommend you see the movie.)

You only need 8 simple ingredients to make this tasty side dish.  Or cut into smaller squares you can serve it as an appetizer.  First, you drain one 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts and cut these into small pieces.  Then chop one scallion and saute it in 2 teaspoons of olive oil. 

Then beat 4 eggs in a medium size mixing bowl.  Add the scallion to the eggs along with 8-ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese, 6 crushed saltine crackers, 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce; then add salt & pepper to your taste and mix this well.

Place this mixture in a greased 9-inch square pan.  Carefully place this into the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until firm.  Allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares.

Full disclosure:  This pan of Artichoke Squares is NOT the one pictured above in the mixing bowl.  That pan was inexplicably dumped onto the open oven door and seared to the tiny window there.  My husband came from his upstairs office to rescue me!  He heard the alarm..."S***!" from the kitchen below.  And here is the real confession - while the Easy-Off was working its magic we went to Sonic for dinner!  Yes, we sat in his truck and ate burgers with Cherry Coke.

The next evening I was able to create this pan of Artichoke Squares and serve it for dinner.

Artichoke Squares

14 Ounces Canned Artichoke Hearts, drained
8 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 Whole Green Onion, chopped
4 Large Eggs
8 Saltine Crackers, crushed
2 Dashes Tabasco Sauce
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut artichoke hearts into small pieces. Saute green onion in small amount of oil. Beat eggs in a medium mixing bowl. Place green onions and all other ingredients in medium bowl with eggs and mix well.

Grease 9-inch square pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until firm. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

* May be cut into smaller squares to serve as an appetizer.

Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Start to finish: 40 minutes
Serving Ideas: Great with Pork Tenderloin
Cuisine: Southern Home Cooking
Categories: Side Dishes, Vegetables
Source: Savannah Style - Junior League Cookbook