Everyday Herbs, Spices, Fruits and Vegetables

Artichoke Cynara scolymus Benefits: • Aids in indigestion • Helps to reduce high cholesterol • Protects liver and bile • Reduces sugar levels in the blood • Diuretic • Anticancer Found in supermarkets and green grocers Dangers: Seek professional advice for breast feeding mothers. Recipe: Sauteed Baby Artichokes 1 kilo baby artichokes Bowl with 3 cups of water and juice from 2 lemons or vinegar (3 tbsp) 1 cup of water ½ cup Olive oil 1 medium onion. Chopped 2 scallions, chopped including the green ends 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar 1 pinch mixed herbs ½ tsp salt Dash pepper ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Rinse the baby artichokes, Set a bowl with 3 cups of water (ice cold) add fresh lemon juice or vinegar. Working artichokes from the stem, cut stem ¼ inch from base and peel back and remove petals until only the top third of cone tip is pale green. Cut off the pale tips, trim off any remaining green from base of artichoke. Halve or quarter, and drop into the bowl. Drain artichokes, in a pan heat artichoke and 1 cup of water, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 3-5 mins, depending on the size, then drain well. In the same pan, bring to medium heat and add olive oil, then artichokes, onions, garlic and mixed herbs. Cook for another 5 mins, stir occasionally. Sprinkle 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, salt and pepper, then parmesan cheese and serve.