So, I like artichoke. But I had no clue how to cook these bad boys up. I mean, the thing has spikes.. and I am embarrassed to admit the first time I had a whole one, I tried to eat the entire leaf until a friend pointed out that just the bottom bits were tender. But this classic spring vegetable seemed too good to pass up, and so with a little thanks to an allrecipes.com video and the joy of cooking, I managed to make my first artichoke. Hope this helps you enjoy this delicious vegetable too- this makes a perfect appetizer, and is waaaay healthier to snack on than chips and dip!
Watch the video here: http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/How-to-Cook-an-Artichoke-Video/Detail.aspx
Choose an artichoke that is nice and green, and the leaves should squeak when you touch it.
As you start to prep, set a large pot with about 2 inches of lightly salted water to boil on the stove.
Trim the thorns of each leaf with a scissors, turning the artichoke away from you as you cut.
Cut the stem flush with the ball of the artichoke.
Dip briefly in a bowl of lemon water.
Cut up a clove of garlic. Place a little bit of soft butter under each artichoke leaf, and slide in a piece of garlic.
When ready, place the artichoke standing up in the water. Cover with a lid, and allow to boil about 30-40 minutes. Occasionally check that the water has not evaporated. The artichoke is done when a leaf easily comes off when you pluck it.
The butter and garlic was delicious just as is, but if you want, you can also serve a dipping sauce for the leaves. Once all the leaves have been plucked down, you can get at the heart by removing the fuzzy choke with a spoon. Just scoop it out!! Underneath is the delicious heart, totally worth the effort!!
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