Savez-vous manger des artichauts?
The last time I ever ate a globe artichoke was as a child in my grandparents’ home in Paris; my French Nani even had special plates for them, with place for your artichoke to sit, and a little pot built into the bottom of the plate for your ‘dip’. I remember liking them, both the taste and the fun of being actually allowed to eat with your fingers for once!
So anyway, last week when a colleague at school wandered through the corridors clutching handfuls of artichokes that she was trying to give away, I leapt at the chance to take some off her hands and let my family try them! She ended up giving me 5 green globe artichokes, and also 5 smaller purple ones which were more oval in shape – not sure if they have a special name or not, but they tasted pretty similar!
My memory told me to steam them, and when I googled for instructions I found I’d remembered correctly. We cut the stalks off and steamed them for a good 45 mins, then I set out a vinaigrette, mayonnaise, and also melted butter as dips for the leaves. I knew the girls would prefer butter, while the boys preferred mayonnaise, and I had the french dressing to myself!
Don’t think the kids really *liked* the taste but they all had a good go at trying them, and we had fun taking them to pieces – totally incredible when you get to the heart and pull the hairy bit off. You have to wonder whoever first thought of eating one! I enjoyed mine, and Steve ate all of his too 
October 10th, 2009 at 22:09
Oui. But (and please excuse my English here) as starter. I presume that isn’t all you had for supper?! I quite like them but in moderation. Once a month is good for me. x
October 10th, 2009 at 22:10
Hey, Rog and I always have the spidery heart up against us when we comment. I presume that’s chosen by you?
October 10th, 2009 at 22:10
Can’t I have a globe?
October 10th, 2009 at 22:16
No, we had them for lunch. And some people had toast afterwards. The kids always eat so much from the tuck shop at orchestra that they never really want much lunch anyway!
The spidery thing is related to your email address. If you registered with gravatar.com you could have whatever you wanted!
October 11th, 2009 at 12:08
i love artichokes. mmm
October 12th, 2009 at 12:06
Funnily enough, I’ve been hankering after an artichoke recently. I think I saw someone preparing one (perhaps on masterchef), but they only used the heart, and chucked all the rest away, I was disgusted!