Microwave Artichoke Hearts Food

ARTICHOKES STEAMED IN THE MICROWAVE

Steps:

• Trim the artichokes by cutting off the stem and cutting off the tips of the leaves. *I often cut them in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the choke but you can skip this step.
• Rub the lemon over all the cut parts of the artichokes so it does not brown.
• Place all 3 of the artichokes upside down in a microwaveable dish with a tight fitting lid. *Try a dinner or salad plate on top of your dish if you do not have a lid that exactly fits.
• *I place them upside down so the water is not collected in the artichokes but they can be placed right side up and then squeezed out later.
• Add the water and cover.
• Cook on high for 11 minutes. Check at about 9 minutes since all ovens are not the same, and pierce the hearts with a fork. If they are soft they are done.
• Drain and serve.

MICROWAVE ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Cut off stem and with a sharp knife trim the base so artichokes sit flat. Make a cut across the top of the leaves, parallel to the base. With scissors, trim the leaves so they have straight edges.
• To cook conventionally, bring a large shallow pan of salted water to a boil. Submerge artichokes, cover tops with a heat proof heavy plate to keep them submerged and cook for 35 to 45 minutes or until a leaf in middle can be pulled out easily. Drain them upside down so water runs out.
• To cook in microwave, wrap each one individually in microwavable plastic wrap and set them in a round plate. Microwave for 10 minutes or until a center leaf can be pulled out easily. Remove plastic wrap (carefully; it will be hot).
• Serve as is, with each person pulling out a leaf and dipping it in melted butter, or remove cone of dinner leaves in one fell swoop and reserve them for later. With a small spoon scoop out choke. Replace cone of leaves, upside down and serve with melted butter seasoned with lemon or vinaigrette.

HOW TO COOK AN ARTICHOKE IN THE MICROWAVE

Steps:

• Trim and wash the artichoke as usual. Place in a covered microwave safe container with a steam vent. Add water or broth and sprinkle with seasoning if desired. A light dusting of salt, pepper and garlic powder between the layers work well.
• Microwave the artichoke on high for 8-10 mins rotating every 2 minutes.

MICROWAVE ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• 1. Combine all ingredients except artichoke hearts in a microwavable dish.
• 2. Drain and chop artichoke hearts. Add artichoke hearts to dish and mix ingredients well.
• 3. Microwave on high power for 3 minutes then stir. Microwave another 3 minutes on high or until all cheese has melted.