Arty the artichoke!!!

I think that my favorite veggie is a steamed artichoke. Most people have never had the pleasure of meeting one, but it is a favorite around here. They do take a little tender loving care, but are so worth the work. First you have to be careful that you don't get poked by one of their little pokey things. (don't you love my technical terms?) Best to use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off the tips, then put them in a couple of inches of water and with the lid on steam them for at least 40 minutes. You then peel off each little leaf and scrape your teeth along it to get the "meat". My kids like them dipped in mayo. Tonight I discovered artichokes dipped in Frenchie's vinagarette. I was in pure heaven!!!!! It was amazing!!!! Served with the artichokes we had Dover sole and couscous. The Dover sole I dredged in flour then pan fried in a little butter and lemon juice. After the sole was cooked through, I took it out of the pan. To the skillet I added more lemon juice and some dry vermouth and scraped all the goodness from the bottom of the pan. It was pretty good, if I do say so myself. I will say that the artichokes were the star of the dinner though. Yummo!

I know that I said we would be having soy products tonight, but I wasn't in the mood. So keep checking back, cause they will appear! Frenchie and I spent some time in the hot tub tonight, discussing all the goodies we will make once Lent is over. She doesn't eat meat or sugary things during Lent. I can't wait!!!!!!