Would it be possible to strip off the outer leaves and remove the choke and just be left with the heart to cook? There are quite a few recipes if you google "recipes for artichoke hearts". Think I might have a go at one or two of them myself too. ;D
twinkletoes
Only just noticed this one. I grow lots of artichokes (Italian hubby loves them) and this is what I do -
cut across the base, including a row of leaves,
remove every leaf until you get to the ones that are not 'meaty'
cut straight across the base of the remaining leaves, discard these.
poke around with a sharp knife to remove the hairy bits,
you are then left with the more solid heart.
I always steam, never boil, so steam them until just tender.
It might seem a bit fiddly removing all the leaves but having had the experience of earwigs lurking in them, and being vegetarian, I would rather make sure that nothing is there before I cook them ;)
