Man, I'm so disappointed..

DBF picked out a couple of LARGE artichokes for us at Safeway (2 for $4), but they weren't very successful. I had never cooked them, so he said he would do it - they took FOREVER in boiling water into which he had put a lot of oregano and basil and some lemon juice. When they were finally done, well.. mine had next to nothing edible on the leaves, until I got almost to the center. And all the oregano and basil coated the insides to the point that it had to be scraped off.

I had eaten artichoke before and it was much "meatier" so I don't know if these were just not good ones, or if he cooked them to death.. I'll try again on my own, just to see.

hi Jean,

Yes, larger artichokes can take up to 45 minutes to boil or steam. I have microwaved smaller ones quite successfully. The tough outer leaves only have a small bit of "meat" near the base ... so what you do is pull off each leaf with yer fingers, dip the softer end into something buttery and lemony then slide it through your teeth so the soft flesh squeezes out .. kinda like a tube of toothpaste As you work your way to the "heart" in the center, the leaves become more tender and completely edible.

Here's some info. from the California Artichoke Assoc.:

• Basic Preparation .. how to boil, steam or microwave. Lots of photos.
  
  How to eat

hth,

Doreen

I love artichokes! My and brother as kids always like them because it was fun to "scrape" the meat off the leaves with our teeth. And yes the outer leaves only have a a little meat on them.

I have never heard of adding herbs to the water when boiling them. the lemon juice is a very good idea though as it keeps them from browning. It is also a good idea go snip off the tips of all the out leaves before cooking.

Of course the best part is the very tender inner leaves and the heart. yumm!

Plain boiled artichoke with butter for dipping is one of the great pleasures of life!!

My father used to make these when I was a kid, he served it with a "yellow" sauce... probably Holladaise or something similiar.
Thanks Doreen for the info! I'm buying some tomorrow!!

Artichokes are great. I cut the tops off of mine, and cut off the stem. Then I stuff the leaves with parmesan cheese and drizzle lemon juice on them. Then cook them for about 45 minutes in about an inch and a half of water w/lid. You may need to add more water if it evaporates.

Someone at work was telling me yesterday to check the small veggie stores for baby artichokes. Apparently, they're not expensive and the whole heart is edible.. Will have to look for some!