‘Twas but a year or so ago that I actually tried artichokes – the real thing, not just artichoke hearts on a pizza – for the very first time.
Why?
I wish I could tell you. I mean, dunking something in butter and then scraping it off with my teeth is totally right up my alley. It’s just right.
And yet? And yet I never dove right in and tried it. Then one night we were feasting at a friend’s house with a bunch of other awesome friends and lo and behold they made artichokes. Lo and behold I was the only one who had never ever tried them – including the 3-year-old. The only one. Peer pressure is a doozy my friends, so I decided to just jump in and go for it.
BLISS.
Pure, buttery heaven on a leaf bliss.
Sweet, nutty, earthy + salty buttery = love on my tongue. I knew that life would never be the same.
So this past weekend I decided to jump off the deep end with my newfound love and actually made artichokes at home BY MYSELF. No help – just me and that prickly wonder in the kitchen.
It was the showdown of the year, y’all.
Turns out making artichokes is simple; here’s what I did:
- Peeled off the outer leaves of the artichokes – apparently they’re so fibrous that they’re inedible. Off they went!
- Cut off the top of the artichokes – same reason.
- Brought a big pot of water to boil with 2 whole lemons, a bunch of smashed cloves of garlic and a little salt.
- Dumped the artichokes in and boiled for about 30-40 minutes.
- Melted some butter.
- Removed the artichokes from the water, let them cool slightly, and then dug in.
- ATE MY WEIGHT IN ARTICHOKES.
Simple, right?
Now that I’ve conquered that fear, I’m thinking that next up on the list will be making actual hard candy. Reason? I’m thinking hard candy for Christmas might be a fun thing to give away and, well, I need to figure it out because it will likely take a full 5 months. For real.
I am so jealous! I love artichokes and have always wanted to cook them at home, but for some reason it scares me. Way to go, brave Heather! Thanks for giving me the courage to try this! 🙂
Love artichokes made and served and eaten like this. And ate your weight in artichokes? Ha ha ha! And I usually don’t do this but I MUST share the link to the Creamy Parmesan Dressing I just posted (coincidence?) because this is what I make when we have simple boiled artichokes. It is the best dip for artichokes!
https://lifesafeast.blogspot.fr/2012/07/summer-pasta-salad-with-creamy-parmesan.html
Enjoy!
I have a super easy no fail microwave hard candy recipe if your interested.
um, of course i’m interested! thanks Jan!
Glass Candy
3 3/4 C sugar
1 3/4 C light corn syrup
Mix together in a microwave safe boil. Microwave on high for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 min
Check to make sure you have reached Hard Ball Stage (If not microwave a few more minutes)
Stir in1 tsp of Flavoring (for the best flavor I use the LorAnn Oils)
and 1 tsp of food coloring
Pour into a greased cookie sheet. Let set a little and then cut while still warm with a pizza cutter. Or wait until completely cooled and then brake into pieces.
Enjoy!
I pretty much love artichokes any way I can get them, but if you think this is something, wait until you try a stuffed artichoke!! Yummmmm! My sister thinks I’m crazy (for many reasons I’m sure) because every time I see baby artichokes, I think it would be cool to make everyone their own stuffed artichoke as an appetizer, but it’s too labor intensive.
I haven’t actually dipped artichokes in quite some time, and you post has me smacking my forehead saying “why didn’t I think of that before?!?” Of all the times and flavors of compound butters I’ve made over the years, it never occurred to me to use a flavor for artichoke leaves!! I’ll have to give that a try next time. Thanks!! 🙂
Mmmmm artichokes are amazing! My mom and grandmother used to make them for me all the time. They’re actually one of my favorite foods! I should try to make them myself one day.
I thought it was interesting that you dipped them in butter. I think the way my mom does it is that she drizzles olive oil over them (once they open up) and then shakes breadcrumbs all over them… DELICIOUS!
Isn’t it great once you learn how un-intimidating artichokes really are? I love making them with a tahini-honey-lemon sauce – so addicting!
You totally rock! Good for you 🙂