Elegant Artichokes with Lemon Sauce

Elegant Artichokes with Lemon Sauce

4 servings

2 medium artichokes

1 medium lemon, sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

for sauce -

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Trim stems and cut 1 inch off the top of each artichoke. (I found it very hard to cut off the top, so I didn't.) Cut the tip end of each leaf with scissors. Rub artichokes with lemon (this prevents browning). In a large pot, combine artichokes, lemon slices, and garlic; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender. Drain and refrigerate for 1 hour. For sauce, whisk together oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.

To eat - pull leaves off and dip into lemon sauce (or melted butter). Pull the leaf through your teeth, scraping off the pulp. Cut the heart into chunks, and enjoy - it's the best part.

Tomato Rice Cups

Tomato Rice Cups

4 servings

4 medium tomatoes

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 tablespoons butter, divided

1 1/2 cups cooked rice

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Cut a think slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Chop pulp and set aside. Sprinkle the insides of tomatoes with salt; invert onto paper towels to drain. Saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Add reserved tomato pulp; cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat; sir in rice, cheese, parsley, basil and garlic salt. Stuff into tomato shells; dot with remaining butter. Place in baking dish. Bake uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

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~for today~

Monday, June 9th, 2008

Outside my window...

a little swimming pool is calling my name. :-)

I am thinking...

about going outside!

I am thankful for...

each new day.

From the kitchen...

we're having quesadillas for lunch.

I am creating...

a packing list.

I am going...

to the beach soon!

I am wearing...

a baby doll top, a denim skirt and flip flops.

I am reading...

the mail.

I am hoping...

to go to bed early tonight!

I am hearing...

the children chasing the dog.

Around the house...

I'm planning, organizing, cleaning, and playing.

One of my favorite things...

is iced tea with lemon in a big mason jar.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

finish up swimming lessons, do a little shopping.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...

a rainbow from this weekend. :-)

" That it will never come again
Is what makes life so sweet. "

~Emily Dickinson

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Summer Morning" by Barbara Applegate