I have very fond memories of eating artichokes both in France and in the UK when I was younger. As a child, it seemed to be one of the few dishes when all the normal table rules were put aside. Steaming artichokes arrived at the table with a cold, well salted and peppered vinaigrette. Everyone put their forks under the tops of their plates and we spooned vinaigrette into the plate where it collected in at the "smile" of the plate closest to us. Then, we would take the artichokes, strip the tough outer leaves and then dip the succulent tips of the younger leaves into the vinaigrette and scrape the tender meat from the artichoke leaves.
Bliss!
When I moved to Australia, all my research told me that Sydney was too warm to grow artichokes, however, I love this plant's beautiful silver, jagged leaves so they were planted (from seed) as an architectural backdrop at the bottom of our garden. Unexpected success is unusual, particularly with plants so I was so excited to see the first crowns appear on my plants a few weeks back.
They are mid sized now and in a few weeks, if the possums don't get there first we'll have our first home grown Australian artichokes. I am looking forward to reliving that wonderful childhood memory.
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