Things I love today: Artichokes

Is it possible to overdose on artichokes? I am in about the third week of my all-consuming obsession with this vegetable (flower?). About four days a week, I run down to the produce market to pick up a handful of these lovelies to go along with dinner. This week’s menu: salad and artichokes, pasta and artichokes, panzanella with artichokes, gnocchi and…wait for it…artichokes.

If this obsession is going to continue, maybe I should try mixing up my recipes. Right now, I just cut the bottom stem, chop off an inch from the top and boil them in a big pot of water with lemons and olive oil for about 30 minutes. Rob likes his with a mayo and soy sauce dip (better than it sounds) and I like mine with balsamic vinaigrette. Here are some great recipe ideas:

• Artichoke and prosciutto gratin – Everything good in the world combined in one bowl and baked. Parmesan, cream, gorgonzola, prosciuitto and artichokes.
• Artichoke and feta pizza – I’m not inspired to actually cook this one, but I will order it from my favorite pizza place.
• Artichoke and tuna salad – Now this is really tempting. It would be delish with freshly cooked tuna steaks instead of canned.
• Potato and artichoke gratin – I love the gratin! This one is a casserole, not a dip. Even better.

Yum! I’m drooling already! We have a kickball game tonight, so I’ll probably skip a dose of artichokes. But this weekend is going to be and artichoke extravaganza!

Update: It may actually be possible to die from an overdose of artichokes?! According to The Two Fat Ladies, Catherine de Medici may have nearly died from an overdose of artichokes on her wedding day! I’m in trouble now!