Roasted Artichoke Fail

on April 5, 2010

I went for a lovely mid-morning bike ride with Megan and her friend-that-is-a-boy Mark.

It was my first workout since Saturdayâ€™s trail race, and my legs felt pretty tight. Iâ€™m glad I had friends to ride with! 🙂

Also, I hope I can find another awesome, quiet road to bike on when we move to North Carolina in June. I really love the airport route.

I did 18.0 miles in 1:15. Getting faster!

Came home, did some work, sold our old car, and got my car towed (turns out the flat was actually a flat).

And then I made lunch, which I ate in two parts.

Part I: Chobani pineapple with 1/4 cup raw oatmeal (all we had). I promise raw oatmeal tastes really good in yogurt.

Part II was a pile of roasted veggies.

That disgusting looking thing on the right is a roasted artichoke. I have never cooked one (but I LOVEEEE canned ones) and decided to experiment. It sure looked beautiful in the store!

I coated it in EVOO and balmasic and cooked at 400 degrees for twenty minutes. It ended up being tough, yucky, and bland. Fail.

What did I do wrong???

The rest of my veggies (roasted Butternut Squash and Brussel sprouts) were great!

Question of the day: If you were any fruit or vegetable, which would you be and why? I would beâ€¦ parsnips! Because Iâ€™m spicy, sassy, and like ketchup. 🙂

{ 105 comments }

Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 5, 2010, 1:37 pm
Oh no!!! I JUST made an artichoke last night, but we didn’t have foil so I boiled it instead. Check out my post. It was super easy and came out fabulously.
Heather (Heather's Dish) April 5, 2010, 1:37 pm
oh, bummer…i have no clue how to cook an artichoke! i would say a butternut squash for me – healthy, pretty, and good with everything! (is that bad to say?!) 🙂
Ambre - The 3-Day Walker April 5, 2010, 1:37 pm
That stinks that the artichoke didn’t come out well… I’d love to hear how to make it better, I’ve never cooked one before…
Missy April 5, 2010, 1:38 pm
Hi!! Next time maybe boil your Arti first so it’s fully cooked then roast it quick with some evoo and chopped garlic.

Or cut it in half (up to down way) and grill it cut side down.

the cheesecake factory makes it like that and it’s great!

Good luck
Anna April 5, 2010, 1:38 pm
I’ve played this game multiple times, and several different people have told me that I remind them of a bean…?! Yea, I don’t know. A couple people in my life now call me bean, it’s pretty much the only nickname I have. Not much you can do with Anna, besides the obvious Anna Banana.

Ok so a bean isn’t a vegetable, but that’s my answer anyways!
- Laura April 5, 2010, 5:07 pm
  Don’t worry Anna, beans are vegetables- at least in the U.K. they are classed as one of our ‘five-a-day’ (fruit and veg), so you are cleverer than you think!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 5, 2010, 1:41 pm
Mmmm I LOVE roasted Brussel Sprouts! I think i’d be a sweet potato because I love them! My all time favorite veggie, for sure.
chandra hall April 5, 2010, 1:41 pm
i’ve been putting raw oatmeal with milk/yogurt for ages – love it!

re: vegetable identity. i’d be sun-dried tomatoes, because i’m tart but sweet, soft but chewy + go really well with pasta. 😉

happy mondayyy!

♥
- caitlin April 5, 2010, 1:46 pm
  cute 🙂
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 5, 2010, 1:41 pm
Hmmmm I would be a sweet potato because I love them and they’re so good with anything on ’em!

Sorry about the artichoke… sad!
Marina April 5, 2010, 1:42 pm
I would be sweet potato. Sweet, comforting, both good in savory and sweet combinations 😀
Or a watermelon 😀
Sana April 5, 2010, 1:43 pm
Cucumber( seeds? fruit?)! Fresh!
Whitney B April 5, 2010, 1:47 pm
As a northern California native, fresh artichokes are some of my favorite things in the whole world! The best way to eat them is to steam them for 45 minutes or so, or until the stem is tender when you stick a knife in it. It’s also possible to microwave them in a covered bowl with a bit of water, but I think they end up tasting a little too water-logged that way. I have a recipe for a light mayo-balsamic sauce that you can dip the leaves in that I can send your way if you’re interested. Also, I’ve heard it’s best to try to pick an artichoke with leaves that are tightly closed, rather than splayed out like the one you pictured above (but I can’t really tell a difference :).

Hope this is helpful! P.S. In addition to green monsters, you’ve gotten me hooked on overnight yogurt oats!
- caitlin April 5, 2010, 1:48 pm
  yes please share that recipe!
  - Whitney B. April 5, 2010, 3:48 pm
    2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
    1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    1 teaspoon shallot, minced
    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    1/2 clove garlic, minced
    Salt and pepper
    (You can adjust the flavor and consistency by adding water, olive oil, or lemon juice, if you want)
    
    Dipping the leaves in plain mayo is pretty darn good, too, though :).
    
    Bon appetit!
- Cheryl H. April 5, 2010, 1:52 pm
  Ditto on the Nor Cal and Artichoke post here from another native Northern Californian. Steamed or boiled to tenderness is perfect. Microwave will give a less than desired result, but in a pinch it would be okay.
  
  Yes, the one pictured doesn’t seem very fresh, it almost looks dry. Plump and tight leaves are the best ones.
  
  Caitlin, give it try and you will enjoy the results.
  - Margaret April 5, 2010, 2:24 pm
    I am a SoCal native that agrees with these comments as well.
    
    I love artichokes and they were one of the first veggies I learned to cook as a child. I went to school in New England and one of my best friend’s who was also from Cali use to have our mom’s overnight us artichokes. I like mine with a little lemon, olive oil, sea salt and pepper.
    
    You can also boil them, cut them in half or quarters, remove the choke, toss with a little olive oil and salt and bbq them. My family’s version of corn on the cob.
    
    I probably would the an artichoke. I have certainly eaten enough of them over the years.
Jenny April 5, 2010, 1:48 pm
I’d be a tropical sunny pineapple:)
Sarah April 5, 2010, 1:51 pm
Hmm… I’ve seen roasted artichokes before, but they were cut in half length-wise before roasting. Maybe that makes it cook better? Also, I know you’re always supposed to cut the tips off the leaves. Not sure why, but every recipe does that.
- Morgan April 5, 2010, 2:37 pm
  The tips of the leaves have little thorns.
Julia April 5, 2010, 1:51 pm
Steam artichokes! I stuff them with a little minced garlic and parsley, drizzle them with a little olive oil and lemon juice, and steam them for about 45 minutes. I always make more than one because they are delicious cold too!
Shellybean April 5, 2010, 1:52 pm
I love steamed or boiled artichoke (with just a little lemon in the water) but my favorite way to eat artichoke is to grill it. Here’s a link to the recipe I use!
http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/111/Grilled-Artichokes
Tammy April 5, 2010, 1:52 pm
Hehe….I would be a pineapple..all prickly on the outside and hard to get into…but sweet on the inside!
Diana April 5, 2010, 1:53 pm
I’ve never eaten artichoke so I have noooo clue how to cook it.
Raw oatmeal? Sounds interesting 😛
kalin (eating machine) April 5, 2010, 1:55 pm
my parents boil artichokes with salt, peppercorns, basil, and a ton of other herbs i forget right now. it takes a long time to cook but it’s SOOO good.
i can’t eat artichokes any other way now, because they taste too bland!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 5, 2010, 1:56 pm
Artichokes are a major intimidation food for me– they freak me out! Allie’s on Live Laugh Eat looked really good last night! You should check hers out.
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion April 5, 2010, 1:56 pm
I would be spinach. It is green, versatile and super(food).
Rachel April 5, 2010, 1:57 pm
Aw that poor artichoke!! I have no idea how to cook them, sorry! I stick to the canned ones!

If I could be any vegetable I would be a sweet potato. You can top them with something sweet or savory, and they are just special! I love them!!!
Evan Thomas April 5, 2010, 1:58 pm
We’ve always steamed our artichokes in this house.
And I would definitely be a sweet potato–sweet, orange, and full of carbs 🙂
Lisa April 5, 2010, 1:59 pm
I’m so jealous of your nice weather! I’ve been anxious to get outside on the bike and it’s been nothing but thunder storms/rain/monsoons here! 🙁

If I were a veggie, I’d be cauliflower. I LOVE it!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 5, 2010, 1:59 pm
I just made sauteed artichokes from a Mario Batali recipe here:

http://gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday/2010/03/29/day-62-2/

Usually I do them stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and ground beef
Hedda April 5, 2010, 1:59 pm
Hahahaha, so sorry, but I first thought it looked like a dead bird!

Hmm, what a fun question. I want to be a broccoli since that is such a super-vegetable, and I feel rather great today 🙂
Or perhaps a blueberry. A mix!
Mary April 5, 2010, 2:00 pm
I usually boil/ steam them. Put ’em in a pot with some water and cook with the lid on… Been a while, but maybe 40 minutes. If you wanna get fancy you could stuff them like Giada from the food network. Most of the time I just clip the spikey end off and season the boiling liquid with spices and evoo.

I’m thinking I want to do a post about cooking ‘chokes now!! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

-Mary
Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story April 5, 2010, 2:01 pm
My friend taught me to steam artichoke and then dip in balsamic or whatever you like. Tastes amazing that way and is really tender!

I took your advice on adding oatmeal to my green monsters in the morning to make them more filling as a meal. Worked great! 🙂 Thanks!
Whitney @ Whitinspired April 5, 2010, 2:01 pm
Probably an onion…because there are so many different layers, just like me!
Chloe (Naturally Frugal) April 5, 2010, 2:02 pm
LOL to “her friend that is a boy”… I think we’re all slowly catching on in that department 😉

You gotta boil asparagus – it usually takes a while, at least half and hour, but is definitely worth it. Good luck next time!
Jessica @ How Sweet April 5, 2010, 2:05 pm
I make stuffed artichokes all the time – you can make them the same way and just not stuff them – I par boil, then stuff with a mix of whole wheat breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic and olive oil. I sit them straight up in a baking dish (cut off the stem first so they sit) and add a bit of water to the dish. I bake them at about 350.
Jessica @Healthy Obsessions April 5, 2010, 2:06 pm
I’d be a watermelon, I’m sweet, juicy, and you can’t resist having more.
Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 5, 2010, 2:06 pm
I’d be a pineapple! Cuz I can be stubborn & difficult, but besides that I’m pretty sweet. haha.

It’s been a long time since I roasted an artichoke, but I remember it not really being worth all that work….
Madeline @ greensandjeans April 5, 2010, 2:12 pm
I think I would be a banana (not a veggie, but I’ll roll with it) because it’s full of goodness, is awesome with many things, and is best served with peanut butter
Rosalie April 5, 2010, 2:14 pm
My mom does artichokes in the oven, and I think she puts them in a foil covered roasting dish with water in with them so they sort of roast/steam at the same time. That’s how I do roasted beets, but I’ve never had much success with artichokes that way. I usually steam ’em, and then beg my mom to make them her way when I visit the parents. But I bet there’s loads of good roasted artichoke recipes out there if you google or tweet it.
Graze With Me April 5, 2010, 2:15 pm
I wasn’t even aware that you could roast a whole artichoke. The heart maybe but the leaves???

I just steam them until tender, about 45 minutes.
Sabrina April 5, 2010, 2:20 pm
Try steaming them! You can do it in the microwave–rinse artichoke in water, then put in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 5-6 min. You pull the leaves off one by one and scrape the flesh(sounds gross-really good) with the bottom of your teeth on the inside of the leaf. Try dipping it in salad dressing and its to die for! 🙂
Matt April 5, 2010, 2:21 pm
I would be a banana… I eat one everyday!
Cynthia (It All Changes) April 5, 2010, 2:26 pm
You have to cut out the fuzzy part on the inside so cutting them in half and grilling them is great.

I would be a sweet potato because they are great bases for other foods as well as good alone.
Lacey @ Lake Life April 5, 2010, 2:27 pm
Did you trim the artichoke and spread the leaves out before before adding the Olive oil and Balsamic?

http://www.oceanmist.com/products/how-to-prepare/how-to-prepare-an-artichoke.aspx
- caitlin April 5, 2010, 2:29 pm
  nope – fail.
Amy Ramos April 5, 2010, 2:27 pm
You have to boil them first and then grill/bake them.
Chrissy April 5, 2010, 2:28 pm
Where in North Carolina are you moving? I *might* be moving to Greensboro in August. (Waiting to hear about funding from a grad program I was accepted to – fingers crossed!) If I decide to go, my boyfriend and I want to ride our bikes there – from Texas! Should be an adventure. 🙂
Lauren @ Eater not a runner April 5, 2010, 2:36 pm
I’d be a sweet potato. Sweet and good with everything 😉 Ha!
Morgan April 5, 2010, 2:42 pm
I’ve also heard/read to boil/steam the artichoke upside down. Martha Stewart mentioned it on the Today Show. Add some lemon, salt and a bay leaf to the water for flavoring. I only like the choke part, the leaves are grody (to me).

If I were a vegetable/fruit, I’d be an okra. Roasted, boiled, or fried, okra is your friend.
Rachel @ Suburban Yogini April 5, 2010, 2:42 pm
I too had artichoke fail today. It is too heart breaking to go into. What a waste of an artichoke 🙁
Madison April 5, 2010, 2:55 pm
re: cooking artichoke. I’ve only ever steamed it after marinating it in olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning. Then you peel each “leaf” off and eat it by scraping the inner bottom part of the leaf with your bottom teeth. It’s weird now that I actually type that out. I actually haven’t made this in a very long time but I know some restaurants offer this as an appetizers (i.e. Claim Jumpers)

re: veggie identity. I would be a sweet potato only because I eat them alot.
Hangry Pants April 5, 2010, 2:58 pm
My family stuffs and bakes them. They are stuffed with like a breadcrumb stuffing. I don’t really eat them, but they don’t actually eat the whole artichoke, they pick the “leaves” and kind of suck on them/skin them with their teeth. That sounds disgusting, but everyone loves them.
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place April 5, 2010, 3:02 pm
steam the artichoke next time! They turn out much better that way
Beth @ fatbustermack April 5, 2010, 3:05 pm
I see ppl have alreayd told you to steam them…Cut of the tips of every leaf and the excess stem and place in water with lemon juice (enough to cover not so much that it floats) and steam for 5-8 minutes in the microwave. Dip into something yummy and avoid the choke. Remember to only eat the base of each leaf, that is where the meat is.
Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES April 5, 2010, 3:06 pm
oooh no! i have no experience/advice on the roasted artichoke front bc im a jarred girl, too. but i bet stuffing it would help?
Jessica April 5, 2010, 3:14 pm
You want to cut off about half the artichoke stem and trim down some of the leaves. In my family, for a quick artichoke, we wrap it in plastic wrap after cleaning and put it in the microwave until a leaf pulls off easily (about 8 minutes). If we have more time, we mix some dried herbs with some olive oil, cut the artichoke in half lengthwise, brush the oil/herb mixture on both sides and grill it after microwaving. IT is delicious!
Jenna April 5, 2010, 3:25 pm
This is such a fun question! And a hard one, too. Hmm.. sweet potato I think. I can be sweet, or I can be a bit more hardcore like veggies.
Beth April 5, 2010, 3:30 pm
LMAO!!!!!!! I just burst out laughing at work! That thing looked like a mutilated bird on your plate!! I think they are good steamed and served them with lemon aoli 🙂 Definetley “A” for effort though! Totally opff the subject, but have you ever made Pierogies? Such a delicious vegetarian dish!
- Caitlin April 5, 2010, 3:38 pm
  i have had them in restaurants! mmm.
Jacquie April 5, 2010, 3:32 pm
I’ve never had a roasted artichoke- except for their hearts. I usually have them steamed because then the meat in tender on the leaf and you can just scrape it with your teeth. The only other thing is maybe you steam it first and then roast it for that smokiness, but I don’t know.
Kristina @Mendonpondmusings April 5, 2010, 3:38 pm
Steaming artichokes is the way to go! Trim the hard leaves, cut off the top 1/4. For one artichoke – you probably need to steam it for 30 minutes, depending on size.

Try it again! They are kind of a pain but so worth it.
Sara K. April 5, 2010, 3:59 pm
I cook artichokes by trimming the leaves, and boiling for 15-20 minutes with a little lemon. I mix worstechire and bbq sauce to dip the leaves in.
Nicole April 5, 2010, 4:10 pm
you have to cook artichokes forever in a small amount of simmering water so that they steam the artichokes. It takes a few hours… unfortunately. I have a recipe on my site. But, if you want to roast them, you would still have to cook them forever because they are so tough and dry. good luck girl!
Stephanie April 5, 2010, 4:11 pm
my mom always made stuffed artichokes out of fresh ones… stuffed each “leaf” with a bread crumb/parm mixture and baked. then as you ate each piece you had a bite of the veg + bread crumb and cheese — soooo goooood! you probably don’t want to eat the whole leaf either, only the “meaty” part.

here’s an example – http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Stuffed-Artichokes/Detail.aspx
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 5, 2010, 4:15 pm
Haha! I thought that artichoke was a dead pigeon or something LOL!!! I have no idea how to cook them either..I’m a canned girl 😀
- Hedda April 5, 2010, 4:51 pm
  Haha, glad it was not only my eyes who made me a bit frightened ;p
bobbileigh April 5, 2010, 4:21 pm
the best way to cook an artichoke is to peel/cut it down to the heart as the outside leaves are tough. You should get to the inside more of a white colored flesh and that is what you want to cook.
RhodeyGirl April 5, 2010, 4:30 pm
I will be doing an artichoke video in the next day- but until then.

1. remove all the outer hard leaves
2. cut off the bottom stem and peel it- set aside
3. cut the top 3rd off (the pointy top)
4. Pull open the artichoke
5. Coat a pot with olive oil or olive oil spray
6. Add your artichokes and stems, some salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Add some water, about 1 cup if using a regular pot
8. Cover and cook for 45-60 minutes until the whole thing is soft.

You don’t fully eat the leaves. You peel them off and scrape your teeth over the fleshy white part. The tastiest part is the bottom- you don’t eat the choke (those purply leaves and the furry stuff) but you remove that and the whole bottom is edible. It is scrumptious. You can dip the leaves into a sauce or eat them plain. My favorite way to eat artichokes is to stuff them with a mixture of garlic, bread crumbs, and parsley. YUM.
- RhodeyGirl April 5, 2010, 4:33 pm
  Also, as you are prepping them put the finished ones in a bowl of ice water with lots of lemons to prevent discoloration. They are like avocados in that they change color.
  
  I will let you know when my video is up. Just waiting for my hubs to process it for me! It kind of stinks but gets the point across of how I do them.
Paige (Running Around Normal) April 5, 2010, 4:43 pm
Oh man, I watched the Good Eats episode on making artichokes, and knew I would never attempt to make them. WAY too much process involved for this girl!
Nicole, RD April 5, 2010, 5:04 pm
I blogged about how to cook an artichoke last week. Check it out, sooo easy! http://preventionrd.com/2010/04/02/namaste/

I would be a potato. I love potatoes, they’re nutritious and versatile despite their bad rep!
Julia April 5, 2010, 5:04 pm
I just use a pot and a steamer with some herbs. Turns out great and tender!
FoodCents April 5, 2010, 5:05 pm
Artichokes, this is something I know well:)

IMO, they are best steamed. Make sure to put some sort of acidic ingredient (lemon juice, vinegar) in the pot.

Artichokes are best when the leaves are tighter and not as “opened” as much, as the one you have.
kate April 5, 2010, 5:14 pm
I just bought some pineapple chobani this weekend – Im excited to try it! I love your new side bar photo!
Amy April 5, 2010, 5:15 pm
I’m not sure what you did wrong. I think I’ve had it steamed before and then just sort of scraped out the stuff in the leaves. If you figure out how to make it, let us know. I love it as well but I think I’ve mostly just had the canned kind.
Ali April 5, 2010, 5:45 pm
I love roasted butternut squash and brussel sprouts! Those are definitely my favorite roasted veggies! If I were a fruit or veggie, I think I’d be a tomato–a little sweet, a little savory, and hard to categorize. 🙂
Errign April 5, 2010, 5:48 pm
When I have artichokes whole, they’re always served boiled, so I have no idea how to roast one! I know to pick one out you should choose one with tight leaves, not fanned out, that’s about all I know!

I know you have mentioned it, but where in NC will you be? I am going to be in Asheville for Fall Semester and I’m so excited to be closer to other bloggers. I live in New Hampshire now and there’s no other bloggers close. 🙁
- Caitlin April 5, 2010, 5:49 pm
  Charlotte!
  - Errign April 5, 2010, 5:54 pm
    Maybe we can meet up sometime! Charlotte is only 2 hours from Asheville 🙂 Happy Monday!
Danielle (Coffee Run) April 5, 2010, 5:49 pm
I’ve actually NEVER had a fresh artichoke! They look so different than the ones you find in a can. If you figure out how to roast an artichoke, please share!

At the moment I’d be broccoli cuz it was hot outside and I’m starting to smell bad haha
emily April 5, 2010, 6:16 pm
I would be a passionfruit because I’m from the Caribbean and I look good in pink!
Michelle April 5, 2010, 6:46 pm
I’d be a grapefruit. Pink is my color and all you need to do is sprinkle me with some sugar (AKA sun!) and I’m good to go 🙂
Angela @ A Healthy Fit April 5, 2010, 6:59 pm
Seems like everytime I try cooking an artichoke it is a fail. Sorry I can’t help you out.

I think raw oats in yogurt would be tasty. I’ll have to give that a try!
Ellen April 5, 2010, 7:16 pm
I’d be a strawberry so I could be dipped in chocolate on a regular basis 😉

http://firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
Mary April 5, 2010, 7:29 pm
Caitlin, Where are you moving to in NC in June? I am in the Raleigh/ Durham area and if you move to that area you should DEFINITELY check out the american tobacco trail. its a 15 mile out and back route that runs through durham. My boyfriend and rode it last week and it was flat fast and awesome! 🙂
- Caitlin April 5, 2010, 7:36 pm
  Charlotte! I hope they have neat stuff like that there, too!
  - Mary April 5, 2010, 9:13 pm
    Oh my I’m sure they definitely do! they have everything in charlotte INCLUDING a HUGE IKEA store! which you MUST check out 🙂
batti April 5, 2010, 7:43 pm
is that her boyfriend??
– batti
Gabriela B. April 5, 2010, 8:07 pm
Hi Caitlin,
I have never commented before but I read your blog everyday and It’s one of my favs!
I decided to comment today because of the artichoke. haha. Well I’m actually from Brazil and the way I have seen people eat artichoke here (and the way I have eaten it before) is by boiling the vegetable (not sure how long but I’m guessing until the leafs(?) come out easily) and then once it’s boiled you peel each leaf as you are eating and eat the artichoke part, not the green leafy part. Once you have eaten all the “leafs” you eat the heart, which is the most delicious and hearty part. Usually people eat it with some sort of dip, but of course you can eat it plain too.
I don’t know if you knew about this method of cooking artichoke, but I thought I would share. I have never cooked artichoke before, but have seen my grandmother cook it this way before.
Since I’m already commenting anyway, I just thought I should tell you are an inspiration. You are so fit!! And one day I hope to be able to work out hard like you do! Great job!
- Caitlin April 5, 2010, 8:39 pm
  thanks so much sweetie 🙂 i wanna visit brazil!
Katherine April 5, 2010, 8:43 pm
roasting doesn’t look like the best for artichokes! (no offense, but I thought it was a dead bird for a min) nothing wrong with some good steaming. I’m all over canned veggies too
Katherine
steph-exercise physiologist and artist! April 5, 2010, 8:46 pm
Hello!!!
I think I recognize that bike trail!
So funny for me to kind of know where you are!

Thank you for posting my pics on OB.com 🙂
It feels good to be responsible for putting a little positive energy in to the world! 🙂
Jen April 5, 2010, 9:52 pm
LOVING the colour contrast of your squash & sprouts! Looks delicious!
Candice April 5, 2010, 10:15 pm
I’ve always been scared to buy a fresh artichoke because I don’t know what to do with it! I need to just go for it. Maybe I’ll try boiling it. Although a previous commenters idea made sense to me – cut it in half and then roast it. Hmmm.

I would have to be a brussel sprout. Unfortunately I don’t have a fun or quirky answer, I just love them so much I could marry them!

Your bike ride looks so fun – makes me want to get into riding:)
Jennifer April 5, 2010, 11:11 pm
Great job on the bike ride! We’ve got some awesome trails over here in Gainesville that me and my husband like to ride. Hey, how do you feel about The Biggest Loser tv show? I just did a post on it and would love people’s opinion.
- Caitlin April 6, 2010, 6:27 am
  i did a post on TBL once and basically said its motivational and fun but that i think it creates unrealistic expectations. i do love that it shows overweight people that they can exercise hard and don’t need to necessarily start off just walking.
Annie@stronghealthyfit April 5, 2010, 11:31 pm
Steam or boil artichokes. My mom made them once in awhile when I was growing up, and we would dip the leaves in melted butter (but don’t eat the tips, they are spiky!). I bet you could come up with something more interesting to dip them in than melted butter, though 🙂
Amber K @ sparkpeople April 6, 2010, 10:46 am
I have always stayed away from fresh artichokes, only because I have absolutely no idea how to cook them! Although I am excited as I read through all of the comments and luckily it sounds like something well worth it!
molly b April 6, 2010, 1:33 pm
You don’t roast artichokes… you boil or steam them for about 45 minutes until you can pull the leaves away easily. I looooove steamed artichokes dipped in lemon and garlic!
Liz April 6, 2010, 2:11 pm
http://italiandish.squarespace.com/
Read this blog- I just stumbled on it and it gives you step by step instructions on cooking an artichoke.
- Caitlin April 6, 2010, 3:23 pm
  thanks!!!
Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble April 6, 2010, 2:32 pm
Poor artichoke! I always steam or boil mine first, then if I feel like adding more flavor I will grill or roast it. Large artichokes need to be cooked/steamed for about 45 mins before they become tender.

If I were a veggie I’d be spinach! Why? Well because spinach has been my favorite food since I was in 3rd grade. It’s good anyway it’s prepared, and it blends well with everything! 🙂
KatieTX May 3, 2010, 8:36 pm
I am currently attempting to steam 2 artichokes I got on sale for a dollar a piece…so nervous!!

Previous post: Everything Changes, Part II

Next post: Lazy Eats