Globe artichokes - photo by Sarah
I talked with Diane Eblin today from The Whole Gang. We had a great little chat and had some laughs about the discoveries we make in the kitchen. We both agreed it takes a little adventure to delve into cooking some unknown or unusual foods. But I think we would agree that this is where we have fun and discover new and delicious foods to enjoy.
This week at The Whole Gang for the Friday Foodie Fix, the food is artichokes. This is giving me a great opportunity to get back into blogging, which if you haven’ noticed, has fallen by the wayside during the past couple of months during our move and transition to Frederick. Thanks Diane for the inspiration!
I will start by saying that artichokes are one of my favorite vegetables for a few reasons. I love the taste of them, especially the hearts. I love them on pizza, in salads, in pasta, in dips and other wonderful dishes.
But another reason I enjoy them is they take a long time to savor. You eat each leaf, one at a time, hopefully with a yummy Hollandaise sauce, or just mayo if you like it. It isn’t a vegetable you can prepare or even enjoy in a haste. It almost beckons you to sit down, rest and enjoy each morsel of its tastiness. I am lucky enough to have memories of enjoying artichokes at home with my family. Other people I talk to, including Diane, didn’t have the experience as a child of learning how to cook this delicious vegetable or to enjoy one fresh.
But even if you’ve never tried cooking an artichoke, I will tell you right now, it is very easy!!! Of course there are more complicated ways of cooking them, but if you’ve never done this before, just try steaming them. Please see the recipe below for more instructions, plus a dairy-free Hollandaise sauce.
And lastly, an artichoke has a HEART and it also has the word ART in it – two of my favorite things!