5.07.2010

{companions} the succulent artichoke

(And check out those succulent ribs below from AMY. Yum.)

As a kid, artichokes always seemed to appear for birthday celebrations in my Family. We had them "just because" the other night. (ok really it was "just because" they were on sale - smile)


In fact I think my mom used to make one for each of us. Such a treat! We had our own dish for the artichoke and our very own dish of drawn butter. (not having to share was such a treat too!) We loved to dip the leaves in the warm drawn butter or in a mayonnaise dip. But the icing on the cake, the feast de resistance was that heart! Ohhh my mouth is watering right now!


Don't these beautiful succulents just remind you of the succulent artichoke?


This recipe is for my friend ann (not me - smile)!

succulent artichoke appetizer by ann west & family

3-4 artichokes trimmed. Cut the stem off the choke. Cut the top off about 3/4 to 1 inch from the top, and then trip the remaining leaves that have bristles.

Place the artichokes in a pot with about 1 in of water, a cut onion and throw in 1 or 2 bay leaves.

Steam the artichoke until done 30 min or so. You will need to raise the water to a boil then turn it down again. You will know the chokes are done when you can easily pull a leaf from the choke (i use tongs for this!)

Serve with drawn butter or a mix of mayo, lemon juice and capers. Sooo good! And don't forget when you have eaten all the leaves, scrape the white "hair" off the heart. Dice the heart and drop it into your bowl of drawn butter. Let it soak and then taste. Mmmmmmm


and look at this funny cacti... could be a cousin or something!


enjoy the succulent artichoke!

8 comments:

Lori P said...

I love artichokes. But unfortunately I'm the only one in the family. So I'm going to drool over the photos instead today. They're luscious. :)

amy said...

what a great recipe! I love them too. maybe this wknd I will make some...my kids and matt loveeeee them too. :) amy

P. Xtreme said...
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Shari Lidji said...

ann, what an absolutely gorgeous post! the photos are wonderful. i love those funny little succulents too.

KristenB said...

A roommate I had in college made artichokes one night and they were delicious! I never got the recipe from her so I haven't been able to make them myself. Thanks for the recipe!!

Haven and Home said...

Oh I love artichokes, we had them growing up. My husband is at the grocery store right now, I am calling him to get some! Thanks for the recipe!

We Blog Artists said...

Mmm this is a delicious post! I love artichokes too, and I love how the flowers have this amazing colour, just incredible.. but you are so right the heart is just the best! A few months to go till they are in season here! Tam xx

Katie Henderson said...

This reminds me so much of my mom! I am going to make these tonight. Artichokes are my favorite veggie. This blog is so wonderful!