Artichokes arouse the flames of passion

Last night, I had artichokes. And I’m sure my neighbour must have heard me moan. 

I know I’ve written about artichokes before, but after last night’s secret culinary escape into my kitchen, I feel compelled to share this experience with you. I had cooked some chicken the night before, in a concoction of liquid, white wine, stock, celery, onions, carrots and garlic. But before that, on my way home I stopped at Checkers to get some goodies and low and behold, they had artichokes on sale for R9 a pack (of 2). This often happens at 5pm – they have amazing specials! So naturally, I bought them. 


They’re very beautiful you know. And hard to resist. Anyway, yesterday evening, I decided to cook my gorgeous artichokes in the left over broth.

I cut the stems off and lightly pulled some of the hard outer leaves off (discarding them), sliced them each in half length ways, and plunged them into the steaming hot broth, leaving them to simmer for an hour (turning them halfway throughout). Then, once they had cooled slightly, I gently scooped them out into a bowl, along with some of the broth and smothered them in butter and lemon juice, and here’s where the experience begins. Thankfully I was alone, because unless you’re with your lover, this is not the type of thing you eat with an audience. It’s wickedly messy and juicy and there are plenty of sounds that mimic those of love-making.

I took some of the softer leaves, turning each one upside down with the curve facing down and with my teeth, pulled the soft flesh into my mouth. You need to do this over a bowl because the juice tends to drip down your chin. It’s when I got the soft, butter-soaked hearts (the very centre of the artichoke), that my moans of ecstasy and the slurping noises I was making would have evoked some interest had I been in a restaurant – When Harry met Sally style. I went into a delicious frenzy. Eating an artichoke like that is sinfully decadent. It’s like sucking mussels straight from the shell, drenched in butter, garlic and lemon juice - whilst leaning over the pot - in secret. You just can’t get enough!!

I know not everyone is turned on by the idea of artichokes, but, if you enjoy exotic foods, and self indulgence, this is something that’s so easy to prepare and so delicious. It’s a great way to enhance an evening of pleasure with your partner, if you both feel the same way about artichokes – which are rather similar in taste and texture to fresh asparagus mind you.