just another morning here

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