Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces

Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauces Makes 8 appetizer servings The traditional way to eat steamed artichokes is to pull one artichoke leaf out at a time and scrape the tender meat from the bottom of the leaf with their teeth Be sure to remove the thistle- like choke in the center of the artichoke before enjoying the meaty heart. We prefer the melted butter versions for warm artichokes and the vinaigrette sauces for serving chilled. 4 large globe artichokes 1 lemon, halved 1 teaspoon sea salt

Lemon Butter Sauce

1 cup (2 sticks) melted unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice sea salt, to taste ground pepper, to taste With a large knife, cut stems off artichokes so they sit flat on the plate. While working with one artichoke, place others in a large bowl of water and the lemon juice. This will prevent the artichokes from discoloring. Cut off top 1/3 of artichoke. Clip points off remaining bottom outer leaves. Repeat with remaining artichokes. In a large pot, place 1�2 inches of water in the bottom with sea salt and steam artichokes for 20�30 minutes (depending on their size) until one of the leaves pulls out easily. Drain and serve upright with lemon butter sauce or chill and serve with a vinaigrette or flavored mayonnaise. Whisk together all suace ingredients and serve in small dipping bowls. Nutrition Info Per Serving (57g-wt.): 210 calories (200 from fat), 23g total fat, 14g saturated fat, 2g dietary fiber, 1g protein, 3g carbohydrate, 60mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dairy-Free, Vegan 1 TB finely minced garlic 1 TB finely chopped parsley 1/4 cup 365 Organic Balsamic Vinegar 1/2�3/4 cup 365 Extra Virgin Olive Oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Combine shallots, parsley and vinegar. Whisk in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in small dipping bowls. Nutrition Info Per Serving (53g-wt.): 150 calories (130 from fat), 14g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 2g dietary fiber, 1g protein, 5g carbohydrate, 0mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium

Dijon Vinaigrette Dairy-Free, Vegan 1 TB finely minced shallot 1 TB Dijon mustard 1/4 cup red wine or cider vinegar 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil sea salt and freshly ground pepper Whisk together all ingredients and serve in small dipping bowls. Nutrition Info Per Serving (54g-wt.): 140 calories (130 from fat), 14g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 2g dietary fiber, 1g protein, 5g carbohydrate, 0mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium

Tarragon Mayonnaise 1 cup mayonnaise 11/2 TB finely chopped fresh tarragon 1 TB finely chopped white onion 2 tsp fresh lemon juice pinch of cayenne pepper sea salt to taste Whisk together all ingredients and serve in small dipping bowls. Nutrition Info Per Serving (61g-wt.): 210 calories (200 from fat), 22g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 2g dietary fiber, 1g protein, 3g carbohydrate, 10mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/sidedish/artichokesdippingsauc e-wc.html

Contributed by

 * Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group