"romesco" news and stories

You were indecisive, procrastinated, or just plain forgot, but whatever your reason is, there is no denying that you are now down to the wire in your Valentine's Day plans. Not to worry, though. A few candles and some delicious food will have your Valentine's would-be icy heart melting in your hands.

A quick stop at the store can yield a pack of Jone's Valentine Sodas and a package of heart-shaped Fun Shapes cake pans. Soda and cake may not be the pinnacle of gourmet cooking, but a bottle of Love Potion #6 and a piece of your heart will no doubt still be appreciated. We won't tell if you use a cake mix - promise.

I firmly believe that artichokes are one of the most romantic dishes you can serve up. And if your relationship is anything like mine, your sweetheart is a little - or even a lot - afraid of the prickly armored artichoke. There's something that seems magic about peeling it, leaf by leaf, until you expose its delicious heart. And there's unspeakable romance in the slowness of it all. The best things, if you  remember, come to those who wait.

Artichokes are so easy, though, anyone can make them (even if you are the culinary scaredy-cat in your relationship). I chop off the stem about one or 1/2 inch from the base of the choke and then peel off any leaves that are very discolored, teensy, or tough. If you're into the presentation, you can use a big strong serrated knife to cut through the top 1/4 or so of the artichoke, there you go, just slice it all off! Stick several (I like three or four medium-sized artichokes for the two of us - it's no good to be left wanting) in a large pan of boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes, until you can easily pull a bottom leaf off.

My husband likes the leaves with mayonnaise but I eat them with melted butter and lemon juice (lots of salt) or, for a pink garlicky treat, romesco sauce.