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Celebrate Artichoke Heart Day!

March 16th is “Artichoke Heart Day.” If you have never had an artichoke, then you are missing a great treat. And…the heart is so awesome! Artichokes are a big source of Vitamin C. They are fat free and only have 25 calories. Castroville, California, is the artichoke capital of the world and in 1948 the first “Artichoke Queen” was crowned….it was the famous Marilyn Monroe. Artichokes are so fun to eat and easy to prepare.

http://www.centurycouncil.org/files/images/MarilynMonroePicture.jpg

There are so many ways to cook an artichoke. My favorite way is to steam them and dip them in some my favorite dipping sauces: yogurt with fresh herbs or yogurt with Dijon mustard.

Serving Size-4

Cook time-35 minutes

Ingredients

 

    • 4 artichokes

 

    • 2 C chicken or vegetable broth

 

    • 1 tsp garlic powder

 

    • 1 tsp tarragon

 

    • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

 

    • 1/4 C fresh parsley

http://www.centurycouncil.org/files/images/0614-Top-5-Artichoke-300x225.jpg

Instructions

To prepare the artichoke: cut off bottom stem, clip the tips of the pointed leaves with kitchen scissors, wash. Stand artichokes in large pan. Add all of the ingredients except for the fresh parsley. The artichokes need to be covered so add additional water if needed. Bring to boil, place lid on pan, and turn down to medium low heat for a gentle boil. Cook for 35 minutes. Put fresh parsley onto the pan the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain artichokes and serve with 1 or 2 dipping sauces. To eat: pull each leaf and dip in sauce and eat the soft part of the leaf. Once the outer leaves are eaten: take a spoon and remove the choke. Now the BEST part is coming-the heart of the artichoke is so yummy. Enjoy! Remmi <3.

Photos: MarilynArtichoke