Perfect Artichokes: Worth the wait!

Patience required!  No amount of wishful thinking will convince artichokes be ready in 20 minutes...

Yesterday, I was strolling through Trader Joe's trying to decide what to make with my fish for dinner. I spotted a beautiful display of artichokes and to my delight they were $.99 each! I went ahead and selected two of similar size, but couldn't remember if I wanted the leaves to be open or closed - so I chose slightly opened ;) 


Tip: Leaves should be tight and the artichoke should squeak when you squeeze it according to this article. Also, prepare artichokes on a night where you have at least an hour to cook. 

---

Steamed Artichokes
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Ingredients:
Artichokes
2 Lemon slices
2 Garlic cloves
1 Bay leaf
Water
Butter (optional)

1. Prep: Cut about 1/2-3/4 inch off the top of your artichoke and remove the stem and any small leaves at the base.  Slice lemon, chop garlic into fourths.  Place a few inches of water in a pot, add lemon, garlic, and bay leaf.  

2. Place steamer basket with artichokes in pot and bring water to a simmer.  Cook for about 40 minutes.  

3. Check artichokes- a fork should pierce through the base as smooth as butter! If not, be patient and wait another 5-10 minutes.

4. Remove artichokes and let them cool (I need practice in this dept.) Meanwhile, melt butter in a small dish.

5. EAT! Grab a leaf, dip in butter, and scrape the fleshy part off with your teeth.  

---

6. When you have finished all the edible leaves you have one more job. Remove inner leaves and fuzzy choke (DONT EAT IT!) Below that your will find a treasure...the heart!  Enjoy.


Please review or share any delicious artichoke recipes in the comments. 

---