Articokes- What to do?

[Tiger]

I bought 3 articokes at the produce store the other day. I have no idea how to cook or eat them! I love everything, so I know I will like them. Do you cut off the bottom and steam them? Help before they go bad! In fact, when do they go bad?

[LGBurns]

Here are two previous threads on artichokes that have some great ideas: http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/004821.html http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/004828.html
Also, on the recipe finder there is a recipe for artichokes stuffed with smashed potatoes that looks great (although I haven't tried it yet). Good luck, let us know what you decide to do with them! I love artichokes!

[ewatkins]

I cook them in the microwave, individually wrapped in saran wrap. It basically steams them. For 4 it takes about 15 min. I won't go in to how to prepare them for cooking as the other thread probably has it. I would say they would keep 5-7 days in the fridge.

[SusanL]

LGBurns We loved artichokes stuffed with smashed potatoes, absolutely loved it!! A really special dinner, I was going to post it but you were there first!!
Tiger You must try it as it is not a difficult dish!

[Tiger]

LGburns- thanks for the links. I guess my search didn't work since I spelled artichokes wrong!! I knew there had to be info somewhere on this board.

[buddie]

this is what i do..

cut off the stem so the artichoke will sit flat. cut 1 inch off the top of artichoke. with scissors cut off tips of leaves.

place in a BIG pan of boiling water. be sure artichokes are covered. boil with lid on until you can easily pull out a leaf with a fork. will take around 25-35 minutes but it really depends on the size and quantity you are cooking.

drain upside down.

for dipping i usually mince some garlic at to butter and melt in microwave then i add some lemon juice. YUMMY

[Curleytop]

I cut off the tips, and the stem end. Place the artichokes on the rack in my 6qt Fagor pressure cooker with 1 cup of water, and cook for 15 mins. Serve with lemon butter. You pull off a leaf, dunk it and scrape the meat off with your teeth.

[foodiedelite]

Tiger,

If you haven't fixed your artichokes yet, I fix them the same way as Buddie except I add some oregano, garlic, basil and lemon juice to the water in which I cook the artichokes.
Before putting the artichokes in the pot, I separate the leaves by folding out (if that makes sense). When the artichokes cook the leaves will fold in and retain all the spices.

We love them around here! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Tiger]

OK, I did it. I ate my first artichoke today! It was great. But having never eaten them before I'm still a little confused. This may sound dumb to all you lifetime artichoke eaters but when I got to the center I was looking for the heart. You know the thing you see in jars. I don't think mine had one. It was all hairy. I tried eating the hair, but it wasn't good. The bottom kind of reminded me of a heart, but wasnt' very big.
I can pick a crab clean, but I've never seen anyone eat a artichoke!

[ewatkins]

You might have noticed that in jars and cans there are hearts and also bottoms. When you are done pulling off all the leaves of a fresh artichoke, you do some surgery and scrape off the hairy part. What's left is the best part-- artichoke taste in a nice big chunk. I have always called it the heart, but I guess it is technically the bottom.

[This message has been edited by ewatkins (edited 04-24-2001).]

[Tiger]

Thanks so much Ewatkins! You are very helpful! I'm just getting ready to make one for lunch and I hopped on the computer hoping someone answered my question. As always this BB is the best!