Artichokes are go good, and very good for you, but thinking about preparing them can be rather daunting! Cutting back the outer layer, trimming the sharp leaves, scooping out the spiky insides once cooked. Buying them already made is pretty appealing.Whether you buy them in a dish a skilled chef has prepared for you, or in a jar in water or soaked in infused oil, or if you are brave enough to buy them fresh at a local market and cook them yourself, here is a little information about artichokes.Artichokes are high in fiber and are very low in calorie, averaging somewhere around 45 calories per globe. The mildly bitter nature of the buds can help prevent cholesterol levels from increasing, and are a solid source of folic acid and vitamins C and K. They are also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium and iron, among others. They may be worth the trouble after all!Artichokes are great in dips, and many people like them in quiche or omelettes. For us vegans, they are delicious when fried and breaded, Roman-style, or when tossed with hearts of palm, avocado, and tomato in a light vinaigrette. If you want to stick to the basics, just trim them, steam them and dip the leaves, and the tasty heart of the artichoke, in a Dijon-balsamic dressing: ¼ balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and ¼ extra-virgin olive oil, all whisked together. You can add more or less mustard or oil to suit your tastebuds! Pop into your favorite store and pick up all of your ingredients today!
