ARTICHOKES WITH HAM

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with ice water. Squeeze lemon into bowl, and add lemon halves; set aside.
• Trim artichokes; snap off tough outer leaves. Slice off the upper 2/3 of bulb and discard. Using a vegetable peeler, remove green outer layer from around heart. Using a melon baller, scoop out choke, and discard. Keep in acidulated water while preparing remaining artichokes.
• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add 10 of the artichokes and 2/3 cup oil. Cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a blender. Slowly add 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid and 1/3 cup oil. Blend artichokes until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer puree to a small bowl; set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk to combine the vinegar and mustard. While continuing to whisk, gradually add 3 tablespoons olive oil whisking until thickened; set aside.
• Place julienned pigs' ears in a small skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until heated through and golden brown. Remove from heat; set aside.
• Thinly slice the remaining 2 artichokes lengthwise. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the artichokes, and saute until crisp and golden brown. Remove, and set aside. To the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Saute until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Evenly divide the artichoke puree between 4 plates. Place ham on work surface. Divide shrimp between slices of ham, and wrap to enclose to form bundles. Place 2 bundles in the center of each plate. Garnish with sauteed artichokes and pigs' ears. Drizzle with vinaigrette, and serve immediately.