You Ask, I Answer: Cooking Artichokes

How do you add artichokes to a stir fry? Do you just eat the heart? I usually eat the bottom of the leaf with my teeth... but can more of it be eaten?

-- Taylor Stirek
New York, NY

Artichoke hearts are a great way to eat a lot of this delicious -- and healthy -- vegetable. I especially love to mix them into a frittata.

I recommend buying either canned or frozen artichoke hearts, chopping them up with other vegetables (i.e: onions, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli) and adding them to the egg batter that will eventually go on a an oiled and heated pan or skillet.

Remember: when purchasing canned vegetables, be sure to rise them in cold water before using them to remove some excess sodium.

Chopped artichoke hearts are also a great addition to a summer salad. Start off with mixed baby greens and, along with artichoke hearts, add chickpeas, red onion, lean protein (canned tuna, grilled salmon, or grilled chicken), and shredded carrots.