It's Time For Artichokes!

It's that time of year again, Artichoke season is here. I developed and worked on this recipe for Hen House & my new cookbook. The best part of the recipe is the Aioli Sauce. It is TOO EASY!!!!!

Although mankind has been eating artichokes for more than 3000 years, the fall of Rome plunged the artichoke into obscurity until its revival in Italy the mid-15th century.

Catherine de Médici, who was married to King Henry II of France at the tender young age of 14, is credited with bringing the artichoke from her native Italy to France, where its success was instant.

The artichoke quickly made its way to Britain and as a result, the term artichoke first appeared in written English records in the 15th century. It made its way to America via French and Italian explorers.


Jasper Mirabile's Fire Roasted BBQ Artichokes

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 large artichokes 1/3 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove
Sea salt

Fill large bowl with cold water; add lemon juice. Cut off stem and top quarter of artichokes. Bend back dark green outer leaves and snap off at artichoke base until only pale green and yellow leaves remain. Cut artichoke lengthwise in half. Place in lemon water. Steam artichokes until tender, about 15 minutes. Cool. Remove choke from center of artichoke. Prepare barbecue grill. Stir olive oil and minced garlic in small bowl to blend. Brush garlic oil over artichokes. Grill artichokes until slightly charred, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt. Transfer artichokes to platter and serve with chilled Garlic & Citrus Aioli.

Garlic & Citrus Aioli

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
4 tabl. orange juice
1 tabl.olive oil

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic, orange juice, and salt. Whisk in olive oil until smooth. Refrigerate.