Artichokes: I like ’em!

The Chef is in the house, and all I’ve got to say is: Artichokes: I like ’em!

Here’s how to cook ’em: If you want them to sit flat, cut the stems off. They say the stems are the extensions of the heart, and the heart is yummy when steamed. So only if you want it to sit flat because you just like it that way, or you want to stuff ’em, cut the ends off. (You can actually steam them separately…. but peel them first)!

Then cut half an inch off the top. You can pull the leaves apart to get them ready for stuffing. Plus it will steam better that way.

Cut the pointy tips off each leaf.

Flip the artichoke over stem side up, into a steamer basket, with water underneath, and put a cover on it. Bring it to a boil, then simmer. Little artichokes take about 20 minutes, bigger…. you can double that. When the bottom is tender (check it like you would a potato, with a knife) they’re done!

Turn the artichoke back over onto a plate and put out the center (the spiky hairs) with a spoon. Then you’re ready to eat.

If you decide to ‘stuff’ them? Caramelize onions, garlic, mushrooms and a little bit of panko or bread crumbs. Stuff between each layer of leaves and fill the center.  Please make sure you stuff them with flavorful food that is good for you!

Here’s how to eat ’em: With your mouth. Really! The flavor of an artichoke is good enough. You don’t need to dip it in butter or some milk based sauce.  Just mid way to the bottom of the leaves are good to scrape between your teeth. And when you get to the heart – you’ve got a little piece of heaven!

Here’s why you eat ’em:

1. It’s got more antioxidants than blueberries, grapes or cranberries. Even better for you than red wine! lol Well, maybe not, depending on your mood. lol
2. It has more fiber than Lima Beans, Prunes or even an Oat Bran Muffin. More fiber than broccoli.
3. It’s a great natural remedy for an upset stomach. Ocean Mist, a company who grows them has the studies.
4. It helps will cholesterol. Yes. There are more studies. But you should always as yourself: “Who is sponsoring these studies”….?
5. Provides Vitamin K. That’s good for brain power and preventing dementia.
6. Has a positive effect on your liver.
7. They are saying there’s studies showing it can kill bad cancer cells.
8. Provides Folic Acid, great if you are looking to conceive or are already pregnant.
9. High in Potassium.  That means it’s good for making your body work the way it’s supposed to. They’ve accredited lowered blood pressure to eating artichokes and say it may act as a mild diuretic.
10. Good for the bones and joints, with all that Vitamin K and C. And it helps with the formation of collagen: “Collagen is essential for the health of our skin, bones, and connective tissues”.
11. Has Manganese, and that helps with your metabolism by helping your body use the nutrients in our food.
12. Protects against free radicals (neutralizing them before they get to do what they do). These days, everyone says that about everything. But in light of all their other benefits, it makes sense that artichokes can help with that as well.

I got on my computer to educate you about artichokes. Have I done my job?

YES CHEF!

Well, alrighty then! Pass the good word through your social media (or at least email this to friends)!

Happy Healthy Cooking,