Globe artichokes are in season, their spiky green heads peeking out of produce bins, their petals vaguely purple-tinged. Artichokes have long been one of my favorite foods, the special thing my mother would make when I came home from summer camp or on my birthday. But for years, the reason I really loved the artichoke was for its capacity as spoon for melted butter - when else can you publicly scoop tablespoons of hot, salty fat into your mouth, without anyone blinking an eye?
These days I appreciate the artichoke in a variety of preparations, sometimes even swapping the melted butter for vinaigrette or aioli. Perusing the Internet for new recipes, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of ideas at The Gutsy Gourmet, and thought I'd share. There are recipes for Italian stuffed artichokes, Roman fried artichokes, artichoke and crab dip, prosciutto and artichoke sandwiches with rosemary mayonnaise (I am considering having a picnic this week, just for an excuse to make these), and more. Any favorite artichoke recipes from you guys?
May is National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month
Cupcakes, not for dessert (unless beef is your idea of a treat)
Because eating French Fries in the car is so tough
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-17-2008 @ 10:03AM
Rob Brooks-Bilson said...
I like them simple: steam and serve with hollandaise sauce for dipping the leaves as you peel them away. I even have special artichoke plates just for the purpose.
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4-17-2008 @ 10:06AM
Bruce Allen said...
If you're even in the Artichoke capital of the world, Castroville, California, be sure to stop by Pezzini Farms - they have a stand off the highway, and there is a van there where you can get deep-fried artichoke hearts - absolutely delicious!
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4-17-2008 @ 1:44PM
Branwine said...
I have to say that I love them simply steamed too. But I add sour cream and Lemon to my melted butter. I think an arti is not to be messed with. But if it is not a very good one then I can see making it another way. I live in central California where not 5 blocks from me there is a farm where they grow them. I am soooooooo lucky!
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4-17-2008 @ 3:23PM
Schuylar said...
Artichoke tea - hot or cold. You have read correctly - tea. Cook artichokes in lots of water for about an hour until. The more chokes the stronger the taste. I make my tea a little sweet by adding a few dates. Fish everything out once you're done cooking, leaving only the liquid (tea color incidentally). The tea can be served hot, room temp or cold by refrigeration (adding ice will dilute the liquid). Cold, slightly sweeten artichoke tea is so refreshingly on a hot day. And it's good for you - no caffeine, naturally sweetened and all the vitamins from the chokes.
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4-17-2008 @ 3:47PM
badfrog said...
I eat them plain, not even salt.
For melted butter with a little cayenne, I eat lobster.
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