Using a sharp knife, cut the stems off flush with the bottom of the artichoke. Pull off any small leaves from the bottom. Lay the artichoke on its side. Slice off 1 inch from the top of the artichoke (don't worry, that part isn't edible). This way most of the pointy tips will be removed. Be careful, they are sharp. Using scissors, snip off any of the remaining artichoke points.
Wrap each artichoke in plastic wrap, tucking the ends under the artichoke. For 1 artichoke, microwave 4 minutes. For 2, 7 minutes. 3 — 10 minutes, 4 — 12 minutes.
Rotate and let stand, wrapped, for 5 more minutes.
Stop! There was first a game of blindman's buff. Of course there was. And I no more believe Topper was really blind than I believe he had eyes in his boots. My opinion is, that it was a done thing between him and Scrooge's nephew; and that the Ghost of Christmas Present knew it. The way he went after that plump sister in the lace tucker, was an outrage on the credulity of human nature.
This page was last modified on 2011 December 20.