Saturday, April 06, 2013

Let’s eat some thistles!

Time for fresh artichokes. . .actually we have access to fresh artichokes year-round since Monterey County grows pretty much all of those grown in the United States but they do seem to taste better during the peak season of March to May.

Can you spot the artichokes in this field?IMG_0782

On Tuesday we stopped by our favorite place, Pezzini Farms, and bought one for each of us.  They were so good and fresh!

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In fact they were so tasty and tender that yesterday we took a side trip while running errands and bought a bag of six---$8.00 for what they call baby artichokes.

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There are many methods for cooking these thistles but I’m a purist:  Cut the stem off, then slice off the top, rinse in cold water, place in a covered container and microwave about 8 minutes (for two.) They’re ready when the leaves easily pull off.  We eat ours with melted butter. And, the heart is absolutely wonderful!

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In the event I don’t have fresh artichokes, there is always a jar of marinated in my refrigerator!DSCN8976

Artichokes. . .a sign of Spring!

Another sign of Spring:  I’ve never seen a Hooded Oriole here at Laguna Seca but yesterday one flew in and had a drink of water from my fountain! (I’m sure glad our cat Inky wasn’t here!  He is the great bird hunter!)

DSCN8970-maybe Hooded Oriole

HAPPY WEEKEND. . .

6 comments:

  1. Hello JL,
    Thank you for stopping by. We have never eaten artichoke and your post will put an end to that. It's on my next shopping list. Am a book lover too - kindle girl here.
    Trish :)

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  2. Mmmmmmmmm, artichokes with butter sound so good.

    Thanks so much for your visit to my blog. Always nice to have you.

    I LOVE lupines! Oh, are you familiar with the children's book, "Miss Rumphius?" Such an enchanting story. She planted hundreds of lupines in her town in order to leave the world a more beautiful place!

    Have a great weekend. Susan

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  3. I'm a bit intimidated by fresh artichokes, even though they look very easy to fix. But, I love spinach and artichoke dip with chips. YUM. Maybe I'll have to overcome my fear and try some fresh chokes!

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  4. I have been there and they are delicious. I could spot some there. It was years ago. Is this home base? sandie

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  5. I have been there - it was a long time ago! I loved it - is this your home base? And I did see some in the photo! sandie

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  6. I've eaten artichokes cooked by other people but have never cooked them myself. Always seemed like it took a lot to get them just right. Have never seen how or where they grow. Most people don't think about what it takes to get food to the table. I remember in Sri Lanka seeing the cinnamon trees. It had never dawned on me before how we get cinnamon sticks. Interesting stuff. Hope all is well. Best wishes, Tammy

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