Don't be inimidated by artichokes: here's how to cook & eat them
Fresh artichokes are in season from September to December, so now's the time to make the most of them
HOW TO COOK FRESH ARTICHOKES
Cut off the stalk of eight artichokes and remove the tough outer leaves around the base.
Bring a large pot of water to the boil with the juice of one large lemon. Add a bayleaf and three peppercorns. Add the artichokes and weigh down with a heavy plate to stop them floating.
Reduce heat to a simmer and boil artichokes till tender, 20-30 minutes. They are ready when leaves can be pulled off easily.
Drain well in a colander and when cool enough to handle cut the top 3cm off horizontally.
WHAT TO SERVE THEM WITH
Serve with a large bowl of melted seasoned butter, grated rind and juice of one lemon, salt and pepper and some crushed garlic.
HOW TO EAT THEM
To eat, starting at the bottom pull off a leaf, dip into butter and scrape the flesh off the leaf with your teeth and so you continue until you reach the centre, the choke, the hairy part, which is scraped out and discarded leaving the best part, the heart, behind, enjoyed with the last of the butter...
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