Carciofi!

As I check out the vegetable stand at the weekly market. a heap of these purply green, pointy leafed “chokes”, with bright green stems still attached, draw my attention. More than any other vegetable, artichokes shout, “Winter”.

A gift from winter’s bounty

In January, some version of pasta with artichokes is on every menu and a local bar even serves “Carciofi fritti”- slices of artichoke battered and deep fried. What isn’t delicious when it’s deep fried!

Artichoke leaves and hearts, cooked until soft and tender then tossed into spaghetti or linguini under a creamy, cheesy sauce create the perfect Italian comfort food. With at least one bowl of Pasta con Carciofi every week, I think I’ll make it through winter!

I promise to take a picture next time I order a dish. It always looks so good that I dig in right away and forget to snap a photo!