Bygbaby Cooks: Steamed Purple Artichoke

This is a follow-up to my "Fruits & Veggies"post.

Sorry I don’t measure, I just do what it do.  If you try it, just use some common damn sense.

Ingredients:
- 2 Artichokes (I used purple)
- 1 Lemon
- Sea salt (I prefer coarse)

Procedure:
- Cut top quarter of artichoke off, cut stem off & cut the tips of each petal
- Boil 3 inches of salted (to taste) water & add slices of the lemon
- Place the artichokes into boiling salted water for 45 minutes with the top pointing up the cover.  Be sure to monitor your water. (This is basically a steam cooking.)
- Once artichokes are done, place them on a paper towel upside down to allow for draining & cooling.

At this point you can quarter & enjoy them with a little fresh lemon juice, black pepper.  I chose to enjoy them with some fresh citrus basil dressing & Gorgonzola cheese.

Dressing Ingredients:
- EVOO (I know you know what this is!!!)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Basil
- 1 Nice sized lime
- Sea salt
- Black pepper (use fresh, don’t be tacky)
- Honey (or sugar)

- Red pepper flakes

Procedure:
- Juice lime into your food processor (or blender)
- Pour in about a half-cup of EVOO
- Pour in a few big drops of balsamic vinegar
- Add in a few shakes of red pepper flakes
- Add at least 6 basil leaves
- Add a dollop or two of hone
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pulse food processor (or blender) for about 20 seconds or until ingredients are blended well

Once the dressing is done, spoon over the artichoke generously soaking the heart.  Add a little Gorgonzola as a side & enjoy.

I have not done a Bygbaby Cooks in a while & I had fun reviving the series. I hope you try this one. It's nice & fresh, whcih makes it perfect for summertime!