We're deep into artichoke season and it's sad to think that many people won't cook artichokes at home because they're intimidated by all those spikes and thistle-y chokes. But no more! Here's a great, easy-to-follow video on how to prep an artichoke by Portland, OR chef Michele Knaus.
If you like what you see (including a glimpse of a really sweet kitchen with bright yellow cabinets and a vintage stove) then read on for another clip by Michele on making artichoke pesto. These wonderful cooking demos come from my favorite Oregon-centric website, Cooking Up a Story or CUpS.
Confession: Even though I live in one of the most magnificent places on the planet*, lately I've been developing a bit of a city-crush on Portland, Oregon. Initially it was all that affordable housing that caught my attention but what's kept me coming back is Portland's energetic and innovative food scene. Indeed all of Oregon seems to be bursting with vineyards, goat dairies, organic farms and orchards.
While I'm still loyal to my Bay Area home (for now), I can vicariously experience the Oregon food scene through an amazing website called Cooking Up a Story. But even if you're not particularly drawn to Portland, there's still a lot here for the home cook from recipes and cooking demo videos to food news and tips on sustainable living.
*SF, CA
Related: Recipe: Stuffed Artichokes
What stops me from cooking artichokes (which I LOVE) is the time factor. Now that I have a small child, prep plus steaming time gets daunting. However, I have heard that artichokes can be steamed in the Crockpot! Anybody tried it? I'd still have prep time to contend with but I could conceivably pull that off early early in the morning and turn the Crockpot on when I leave for work. And come home to scrumptious artichokes.
This seems to good to be true. Please tell me it can be done.
The last time I made fresh artichokes my was 2 years ago! Wrong, wrong, wrong.
view cmcinnyc's profile
Great, easy to follow. Has anyone got a recipe for roasted artichokes?
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
@cmcinnyc: artichokes take as long to cook as a potato. Put it in a pot of salted water (just like macaroni!), cover, let it boil for about 15 minutes; when an outer leaf comes off easily it's ready. That's all. You can cook them and chill in the fridge to eat later - it makes a terrific lunch with a bit of mayonnaise. Don't fear the artichoke!
view pingarina's profile