Ode to the Artichoke – Oda a la Alcachofa

In 1947 a young Marilyn Monroe (then Norma Jean) was crowned Artichoke Queen of Castroville, Ca.
Also, it has been said that artichokes are aphrodisiacs. Coincidence? I wonder...
Artichokes are a significant source of vitamin C, folic acid and magnesium. Nearly fat-free, the artichoke is about 25 calories (per medium artichoke) and is low in sodium. Artichoke stems, which are often thrown away, are perfectly edible. Peel them and cook along with the artichokes, slice into salads or pasta dishes.

Artichokes had long been restricted to fine dining or ethnic menus. Joe 6-pack's love affair with the 'choke began when somebody whipped together the first Spinach Artichoke Dip - and added it to their Appetizer section. Since then (maybe the mid 80's?), the artichokes’ appeal has spread to all menu categories.

Try these fun artichoke dishes:

Artichoke Lasagna
http://italianfood.about.com/od/bakedpasta/r/blr1603.htm

Chili Artichoke Dip
http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/chili-artichoke-dip-recipe/article33386.html

Creamy Artichoke Chicken Soup
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1157822


Here's an Arti-JOKE!

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Artichokes!
Artichokes who?
Artie chokes when he talks with his mouth full...


Submitted by Charlotte Barnes, GVSU Intern