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1
With a sharp knife, cut the stem and the top 1 inch of leaves from each artichoke.
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2
Wrap each artichoke in microwave-proof plastic wrap and set them in a circle on a microwave-proof dish.
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3
Cook at full power: 2 medium artichokes will take 10 to 12 minutes; 3 or 4 artichokes, 15 minutes; and 6 artichokes, 20 minutes.
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4
Remove them from the oven and unwrap them carefully (the plastic is very hot).
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5
Serve them right away or set them upside down on a plate to cool.
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6
Saucy Accompaniments
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7
If youre going to serve the artichokes hot, while theyre cooking, whip up a saucy accompaniment to dip them in.
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8
Stir-fry 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/8 teaspoon crushed black pepper in 1/2 cup olive oil for a couple of minutes to release their aroma.
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9
Dip the leaves in this flavored olive oil.
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10
Heat 1/3 cup olive oil and stir in 2 tablespoons black olive paste or pesto, or 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
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11
Heat 1/2 cup olive oil until hot.
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12
Remove it from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup minced fresh herbs of your choice.
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13
If youre going to serve the artichokes chilled or at room temperature, you can turn them into a meal by serving two per person and by accompanying them with ricotta cheese that you can use as a dip.
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14
Another good sauce to serve with cold artichokes is made by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar.
