Artichokes

Directions

1. 1
   With a sharp knife, cut the stem and the top 1 inch of leaves from each artichoke.
2. 2
   Wrap each artichoke in microwave-proof plastic wrap and set them in a circle on a microwave-proof dish.
3. 3
   Cook at full power: 2 medium artichokes will take 10 to 12 minutes; 3 or 4 artichokes, 15 minutes; and 6 artichokes, 20 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove them from the oven and unwrap them carefully (the plastic is very hot).
5. 5
   Serve them right away or set them upside down on a plate to cool.
6. 6
   Saucy Accompaniments
7. 7
   If youre going to serve the artichokes hot, while theyre cooking, whip up a saucy accompaniment to dip them in.
8. 8
   Stir-fry 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/8 teaspoon crushed black pepper in 1/2 cup olive oil for a couple of minutes to release their aroma.
9. 9
   Dip the leaves in this flavored olive oil.
10. 10
    Heat 1/3 cup olive oil and stir in 2 tablespoons black olive paste or pesto, or 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
11. 11
    Heat 1/2 cup olive oil until hot.
12. 12
    Remove it from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup minced fresh herbs of your choice.
13. 13
    If youre going to serve the artichokes chilled or at room temperature, you can turn them into a meal by serving two per person and by accompanying them with ricotta cheese that you can use as a dip.
14. 14
    Another good sauce to serve with cold artichokes is made by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar.