Eat in Season Recipe 1: The Artichoke

Part of our eat in season series:
The artichoke is a low-calorie vegetable that is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, folate and magnesium as well as a rich source of antioxidants. 

Steamed Artichokes

2 whole artichokes

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, sliced

salt and pepper to taste

Clean chokes by setting them in a pot with cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. (Put the pot of water aside and use it later to water plants, to clean dishes and more. Just don't waste it by pouring it down the sink.) Next, take a knife and cut the stem evenly so each choke will balance when placed in a pot to cook. Then, snip off the tips of each leaf and spread the inside open to remove the tiny purple leaves near the heart or center of the choke.  

Fill up a pot just enough to cover the chokes half way. Bring to a boil. Place the garlic in the center of each choke and place them stem-side down. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 20 minutes, until tender. Insert a fork into the heart to check for doneness. When it goes in without any effort, they are done. Set them on a reusable towel-covered plate to remove excess moisture.

Pull off leaves one by one and serve with melted butter.