Sandi is blogging from the WhistleStop Cafe kitchen. It's all about good home cooking; food, family and fun. Thousands of posts . . .

~In the south and around the world.



Thursday, November 15, 2007

Artichokes!

Have you ever had a fresh artichoke? I know this is not the traditional southern treat... but I love them. Bill will only eat an artichoke if it is well hidden- in a dip, a sauce, or on a pizza.

The fresh artichokes at Borough Market were huge. They were just to much to resist.
This is a simple way to prepare and serve artichokes. Clean the artichoke by rinsing well, trim the pointy ends and remove the stem to the base. In a large pot of water add salt and 1 Tbs lemon juice. Boil 30-45 minutes, until the base is tender. Remove and cool upside down to drain.
All you'll need is a good dip. We like melted butter with lemon juice, or ranch dressing.



To eat the artichoke, dip a leaf in the sauce, then scrape the bottom part of the leaf with your teeth. As you get closer to the center the leaves are more tender. Scrape out the thistle part and discard. The heart of the artichoke is the best part.

It sounds more complicated than it is... an artichoke is well worth the trouble.

Y'all enjoy!
Sandi

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I LOVE artichokes! No one in my family will eat them so I rarely make them.

Justabeachkat said...

Yum Oh!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Hugs!
Kat

Sally said...

Now you've got me salivating! They had artichokes at Hy-Vee the other day but they didn't look very good and they were like $3 or $4 a pound! Poo! You know, you could frame that picture of artichokes you took it's that pretty.

Unknown said...

I love artichokes but it's been a long time since I've had any. Sounds yummy!

Heather said...

I love artichokes too. We used to get fabulous ones in California. We can get them in Michigan, but they are a bit harder to find. I like mine with mayonnaise and my husband likes garlic butter. Oh, how I would love an artichoke now!
Heather

Pam said...

I'm so enjoying your London posts and photos. You are making me miss London desperately though! ;)

JANET said...

Okay, I have NEVER had an artichoke...that I know about! But thanks for providing directions on how to fix them.

Sandi McBride said...

My grandmother loved artichokes, so I learned to love them, and brussels sprouts and all those lovely odd looking veggies! Lemon juice and butter that's all Mammy ever put on the Artichoke...more Pictures of England coming up? Did you visit or call any Blogging Buds you have from there?

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Artichokes are a wonderful treat. It's funny how dramatically some people react to them. I like your recipe - simple is best!

Anonymous said...

Of course! These are delicious :)

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Sandi, I've never eaten them fresh, but love artichoke dip that I make. I love the way they look though...they are one neat looking vegetable!

xo,
Rhoda

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Oh yes the Borough Street Market, what an incredible place. Your artichoke is lovely!

tut-tut said...

Oh, fresh artichokes are so good! Thanks for reminding me to be on the lookout for them.

Andi said...

I have to admit...I've never had fresh artichokes!!! I have a wonderful hot dip recipe that has artichoke hearts but I use the canned ones to make it. Is that a sin?!?

I'll put that on my New Year's Resolution list...must dine on fresh artichokes in 2008!!!

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I like them also but no one else in our family does. Have a good day. mary

Jan said...

I'm of the mind that artichokes are just lovely veggies, but should be well hidden in some type of dip. Preferably one with lots of cheese and some spinach accompanying! : ) Great post! Makes me want to "try" an artichoke sans accompaniments!

Jsn

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Well y'all have got to try a fresh artichoke at least once. I like Andi's idea of putting it on your New Year's promises list.
More pictures of London? Brilliant!

Greenie Gardens said...

Mmmm! We love artichokes. My husband was born and raised near Watsonville, CA. He prefers his with mayonaise (Best Foods in CA Hellmans here) and with lemon juice.

Lisa said...

I heartily agree! I grew up eating artichokes made just like that, and served with lemon butter sauce. Just about my most favorite thing in the world (unfortunately, my husband doesn't share my passion for them—some people!

Anonymous said...

We need to figure how to make the artichokes we had in Italy, those were AMAZING!!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

a destra!
You are so right. Those fried artichokes are the best. We'll try it with some Whistlestop batter next time you're home.

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