Artichokes: Steamed

Growing up, my family rarely used a steamer.  I am not sure why but that holey basket never saw the light of day.  Now, in this age of new, healthier lifestyles, we know that steaming food preserves its natural flavor and vitamins.  So, I find myself steaming more foods as I cook for my precious angel.

The artichoke is one that I find tastes better when steamed.  So every since my angel could eat solids, we were steaming artichokes for dinner. 




Steamed Artichoke

1 artichoke
Steamer
water

1. Prepare the artichoke for cooking.  For instructions, see How to Prepare an Artichoke.
2. Fill the steaming pot with about 2 inches of water and place the steaming basket on top.
3. Put the prepared artichokes in the steamer and close the lid.
4. Bring to a boil and cook for about 45 minutes or until the leaves pull easily from the plant and the heart is soft.
5. Remove from the fire and serve hot.

NOTE:  Although my angel is allergic to dairy, I still find it difficult to enjoy my steamed artichoke without a helping of clarified butter for dipping.  I guess you can say that this is one of my guilty pleasures!