CSI case file #48 is open for investigation!
I scrapped a photo of artichokes which I absolutely LOVE!
I participate with this layout also to Sketchbook365 December challenge where the challenge is to use the following sketch
EVIDENCE
something transparent (I punched out different sizes of circles out of acetate and stitched them onto the background I also smeared some paint on the borders of the circles), plain brads
TESTIMONY
Document something kitchen related... food, and write your journaling as a recipe. I wrote a recipe as my journaling (slight difference)
A fresh Roman artichoke is a wonderful thing. The first ones to hit the stands - the cimaroli - are big and fat. They are the ones that grow from the main stalk of the artichoke plant, in early spring, pointing straight up. Not only are they incredibly fragrant and large, they are also amazingly tender, and have practically no choke or tough inner leaves. They are also quite expensive.
I love carciofi alla romana (artichokes Roman style) : cleaned, trimmed, seasoned liberally with mint and parsley, and then steamed.
I wrote the recipe on the back of my layout.
1. Fill a big bowl with cold water and squeeze a half lemon in. Keep the other half handy. Artichokes oxidize quickly, so you have to rub all cut surfaces with a lemon to prevent this.
2. Break off the tough, outer leaves of the artichoke, until you get down to the leaves which are tender. They are usually yellow on the bottom third, and pale violet at the top. When you break off the leaves, do your best to leave on as much of the root of the leaf as possible.
3. Once you have taken off the tough outer leaves, use a small knife and gently trim away the bright green parts from the stem. Turn the artichoke on its side, and cut off the top third (the pointy end of the artichoke). Make sure your knife is really sharp. Immediately rub the cut part with lemon, and put in acidulated water.
4. Take a bunch of parsley and a bunch of mint and 4-5 cloves of garlic. Chop finely and add 1/2 tsp of salt and about a 1/4 tsp of freshly ground pepper. (not exact measures)
5. Lift an artichoke out of the water and hold it with one hand, and carefully loosen the leaves, being careful not to break any off. Take a bit of the herb mixture and force it in between the leaves, and into the center of the artichoke. Keep doing this, until the artichoke is well seasoned. You want to use about 2 teaspoons of mixture per artichoke. Repeat for all the artichokes.
6. Choose a pot where the artichokes will fit very snugly, and place them, one against the other, with the tops (where the pointy end was) down. (on the photo I had cut the artichokes in halves and cooked them side by side) If the stalks of the artichokes are big and thick, you can use those (trimmed of the tough outer part) to keep the artichokes from tipping over. In any case don't throw the stalks away but use them. They are yummy too. Otherwise, you can use pieces of potato. Pour in enough water to come up about an inch, but be careful not to pour the water directly onto the artichokes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle abundantly with olive oil. Place the lid on the pot and bring to a low simmer. Cook until done, probably about 30-40 minutes. Keep checking, to make sure water hasn’t boiled away.
7. Let cool. Best served at room temperature. Buon appetito!
some closeups
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