Dear Al A Carte,
I’m a 29-year-old man, who works in the family business with my mother, father, and brother.
We spend every day together and usually have lunch, where our talks are strictly business. My parents also want family time in the evenings and on weekends.
I think enough is enough. What can I do?
Arthur
Dear Arthur,
This kind of togetherness would make any ARTI CHOKE
Steamed Artichokes
1 or more artichokes
garlic cloves, lemon wedges, bay leaf
Slice about 1/2 inch off the top of the artichoke and any excess stem. Using a kitchen scissors, cut off pointed tips. Rinse the artichoke under cold water.
Fill a large saucepan with a few inches of water. Add garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Insert your steamer basket, and place artichoke(s) inside. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and steam for 20 to 40 minutes … until a leaf pulls out easily. Place cooked artichokes upside-down in a colander to drain.
For a dipping sauce you can:
- Melt butter and add garlic
- Combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder
- Or use oil and balsamic vinegar
To eat artichokes pull leaves off one at a time. Dip the base of the leaf into sauce, and draw it through your teeth, scraping off only the tender flesh of the base. Discard the rest of the leaf. When you finish eating the leaves, scoop the choke out of the base with a spoon and enjoy. Discard the rest.
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