Ingredients

2/3

cup shredded Asiago cheese

4

oz chèvre (goat) cheese, crumbled (1 cup)

4

oz (half of 8-oz package) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened

1

clove garlic, finely chopped

1

teaspoon grated lemon peel

Salt and pepper to taste

2

cans (14 oz each) Progresso™ artichoke hearts, drained, cut into 1-inch pieces

1

cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

2

eggs, beaten

1

cup Progresso™ panko crispy bread crumbs

Canola oil for frying

Additional shredded Asiago cheese, if desired

Lemon slices or wedges, if desired

Preparation

In medium bowl, mix 2/3 cup Asiago cheese, the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon peel, salt and pepper. Roll each artichoke piece in mixture until coated. Place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour.

In 3 separate small bowls, place flour, eggs and bread crumbs. Dip each cheese-coated artichoke piece in flour and then in egg; roll in bread crumbs until coated. Return to cookie sheet.

In heavy saucepan or large skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Fry poppers, a few at a time, in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 250°F oven until serving time. Sprinkle poppers with additional Asiago cheese. Garnish with lemon.