Steamed Artichokes

We love artichokes - they're not only yummy but very versatile as an appetizer, side dish or meal in itself! Here is a very easy recipe that gets huge raves from family and friends:

Steamed Artichokes

3-4 Large artichokes
White wine
1 tsp crushed garlic or 1 whole clove
1 tbsp lemon juice

Rinse artichokes, trim spiked tips off leaves & cut stem off. Place artichokes in a 4-6 quart pot, stem side down. Pour in 3 cups white wine and 1 cup water so that water is about halfway covering the artichokes; if you need to add more liquid, use the 3:1 ratio (so, if you need to add 1 1/2c more wine, add 1/2c water). Add garlic & lemon juice. Keep pot uncovered and set heat to high. Bring liquid to a boil; once boiling, cover pot and turn burner down to low/simmer. Steam artichokes for approximately 45 minutes or until an artichoke leaf pulls off easily. Once done, remove from heat, drain and serve immediately.

These are also great chilled! Make a few & stick them in your refrigerator; if you like them warm, just throw them in plastic wrap and reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Here's a couple of dips I serve with artichokes, as sometimes we need a break from the standard mayonnaise:

Quick Lemon Garlic Dip

1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp crushed garlic, or to taste
1/4 tsp lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together until smooth & creamy; chill approx. 1/2 hr before serving.

Quick Chipotle Dip

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp pureed chipotle, or to taste
1/2 tsp finely chopped scallions (optional)

Mix all ingredients together until smooth & creamy; chill approx. 1/2 hr before serving.