My mom admitted to me last week that it was only within the past couple years that she learned what a screenshot was. My brother Nate mentioned in passing that he took a screenshot of something, and she thought, “That is such a great idea!” So she got on her computer, found something she wanted to save…then pulled out her phone and took a picture of it.
It reminds me of the time when I was in college using a public computer at the library. I had just arrived, when this guy walks up to me and says, “Hey, I left something on the desktop, do you mind if I grab it real quick?” And I say sure no problem, and start clearing my notes and purse off the top of the desk that the computer was sitting on, so that he could look for his pen or whatever he had left on the desktop. Of course he grabbed the mouse and navigated to the file he needed, plugged in his flash drive, and was on his way within 30 seconds. I don’t even think he noticed that I was being a complete moron. I guess it runs in the family?
Have you ever made artichokes?? This was my first time! I’ve had them before in restaurants but had never made them at home. They are so darn good! I was telling Nate all about it on the phone, and said that my only complaint is that I need to eat like 3 entire artichokes to be full. And he said “Karen, do you even understand what an appetizer IS?” Oh okay. Good point brother. I guess I’m an appetizer abuser. I took a billion photos of my virgin artichoke voyage. Wanna see?
I’ve got pesto on the brain this week, as evidenced by this recipe and the White Lasagna with Chicken and Pesto that I posted on Tuesday. It is just such an easy way to add flavor! My mom used to eat artichokes all the time growing up, because her dad was an almond farmer, and when you have farmer friends, well, you get a lot of produce. She said they always dipped them in mayonnaise. I love mayonnaise and all, but I felt like I needed a little something something to jazz it up…enter pesto! It’s the same sauce I put on top of this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken. SO. GOOD.
If you are planning to make this recipe soon, or any variation including fresh artichokes, be sure to check out the contest going on over at Ocean Mist Farms! I’ll break it down for you:
Basically all you need to do is cook up some fresh artichokes, share it on Instagram or Twitter using the #ArtiAdventurer hashtag, and you will be entered to win an awesome trip to Monterey! (Have you ever been there? It is one of my favorite places in the whole world. It is so gorgeous. I have so many fond memories of traveling in that area!) Click here to get more info on the contest. I am probably going to have Truman enter the contest all on his own. He has started saying “Okie Dokie, Artichokey!” at every opportunity, in his tiny little 3-year-old voice. It’s adorable. Artichokes really are the perfect appetizer. You can serve them warm or room temperature. You can make them ahead of time and reheat at the last minute. And they just feel so fancy! You feel like you’re eating in a restaurant in your own home. Plus they are fun to eat. Eating an artichoke is definitely a unique experience!
Of course the cheesy heart in the center is my favorite part. If you make this, be sure to share using #TheFoodCharlatan so I can see it! And don’t forget to use the #ArtiAdventurer hashtag to enter yourself in the contest. You have until April 16th! Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter This post is sponsored by Ocean Mist Farms. All opinions are my own of course! Thanks for supporting the brands and farmers that help keep The Food Charlatan going! Other great side dishes you will love! Sauteed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes:
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Roasted Artichokes with Lemon and Garlic from Iowa Girl Eats Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Parmesan from Foodness Gracious Crock Pot Artichokes from The Produce Mom
