{companions} the succulent artichoke

(a repost from amy and ann ... just in case you missed it!)

As a kid, artichokes always seemed to appear for birthday celebrations in my Family. A special occasion was in order to serve and artichoke. A birthday or for company something big. We had them "just because" the other night. (ok really it was "just because" they were on sale - smile)

In fact I think my mom used to make one for each of us. Such a treat! We had our own dish for the artichoke and our very own dish of drawn butter. (not having to share was such a treat too!) We loved to dip the leaves in the warm drawn butter or in a mayonnaise dip. But the icing on the cake, the feast de resistance was that heart!

Don't these beautiful succulents just remind you of the succulent artichoke?

This recipe is for my friend ann (not me - smile)!

succulent artichoke appetizer by ann west & family

3-4 artichokes trimmed. Cut the stem off the choke. Cut the top off about 3/4 to 1 inch from the top, and then trip the remaining leaves that have bristles.

Place the artichokes in a pot with about 1 in of water, a cut onion and throw in 1 or 2 bay leaves.

Steam the artichoke until done 30 min or so. You will need to raise the water to a boil then turn it down again. You will know the chokes are done when you can easily pull a leaf from the choke (i use tongs for this!)

Serve with drawn butter or a mix of mayo, lemon juice and capers. Sooo good! And don't forget when you have eaten all the leaves, scrape the white "hair" off the heart. Dice the heart and drop it into your bowl of drawn butter. Let it soak and then taste. Mmmmmmm

and look at this funny cacti... could be a cousin or something!

enjoy the succulent artichoke!