Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had my dad’s voice playing like a record in my head saying, ”It might have choked Artie, but it will never choke me!” I have no idea what this comes from, or why he ALWAYS said it, but when I was visiting my parents in Westchester over my nice little first work vacation, I decided I would make him one. I have never really cooked an artichoke before, so I didn’t know how easy, yet how vicious these little buggers are. They are simple to cook, take a little bit of prep, and are COVERED with these thorns that are only programmed to stick into your fingers. Follow the directions below, just watch your extremities!
They look so harmless. They are like vegetable-style Hulks–with sharp, pointy things.
Ingredients:
- 3 artichokes
- Deep pot with 1 inch of water
- Sharp knife and sharp scissor
Cut about an inch of the top of each artichoke. With scissors, cut the sharp tips off of each leaf. This is pretty important, no one wants to eat a thorn.
Cut off base so they will sit flat in the pot. Remove a few of the outer tough leaves.
Bring the water to a boil, and insert the artichokes in tips up. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 25-45 minutes depending on the size of the choke. Mine took about 25 minutes.
You will know when it’s done when it looks as above (second picture) and a knife pierces easily into base of stem. The outer leaves should pull off pretty easily.
Pull out the chokes, and turn them upside down to drain for a minute or so.
Honestly, I was really afraid of making these, but it was so easy. I know I’m afraid of a lot of things (clowns, people in costume at Disney, bananas) but these really are approachable compared to everything else.
Each artichoke was at most 50 calories. Choose something low cal to dip them in (I went for just some balsamic vinegar.) and enjoy.
Oh, and this is how you get such a pretty picture. Don’t try this at home. You might end up with a very angry Little Mommies. Especially when you post the “before” picture.
The quote is, “It Might Have Choked Artie But It Ain’t Gonna Choke Stymie!”
Little Rascals
I’m scared of people in costumes too! and that Rutabaga face…
Hey Jess! So since you’re my bona fide cooking/baking expert, I was wondering if you could help a girl out. I am looking for recipes for a cookie that can help us win us a floor contest. Something that’s easy enough to make, will appeal to a lot of people, but at the same time has that X factor that makes it unique enough for people to really love it. If you could provide a recipe for such a cookie, I will love you forever! Thanks!!
Nameeta, make THESE http://picky-palate.com/2009/09/24/the-mother-load-layered-cookie-bars/
I made them for halloween and I have never seen cookies go so fast. I found the cooking time was slightly longer, and I used more of the peanutbutter mixture and less of the double chocolate chip mixture. It’s 7:30 am and I’m craving them right now. Also, try making the Candy Bar cookies that I had made for originality. They are really simple, and people like the idea of the surprise. (http://twofacedchef.com/2009/09/16/candy-bar-cookies/)Thanks for reading!! Where are you living now?
Oh man do those look heavenly! Thanks so much Jess! I will let you know how they turn out
I’m living in Gramercy right now and got off my meal plan. I love reading this because you have so many great ideas and the pictures make me salivate all the time
I’m having people over this weekend, and I would love to serve this with a nice simple dip. Thanks!