Grilled Artichokes

This recipe was a go-to dish for us when we were growing up.  Mom found an easy way to perfectly cook the artichokes, and then we threw a little dressing on there, and tossed them on the grill.  These make a great side dish, but also a really great snack!  Sometimes we just whip one of these up and munch!

Grilled Artichokes

4 large artichokes, stems trimmed

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 up lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp. minced garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Take each artichoke and rinse with cold water.  Place artichokes on a plate and cover with plastic wrap.  Microwave artichokes on high for 8-10 minutes depending on the size of the artichokes.  While artichokes are cooking, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic salt and pepper in a small bowl.  Remove from microwave, carefully remove plastic wrap (watch out for steam!!), and let cool for five minutes or so.  Heat your BBQ or grill pan on medium-high heat.

Cut artichokes in half, remove the thistly, bristly, hairy stuff on the inside of the artichoke.  Careful to leave the heart of the artichoke in tact (the heart is the BEST part of an artichoke!)

Use a pastry brush to brush olive oil-lemon mixture all over the artichoke, making sure to get in between the leaves.  Once artichokes are brushed in the olive oil-lemon mixture, place onto a hot grill, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the artichokes are nicely charred (NOT BLACK!).  Grill marks, smoke....yummm.

Place on a large dish, and serve!  No dipping sauce needed!!