Andrew Carmellini: Artichoke instructions

… 4. When the artichokes have cooled, remove them from the pot and slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the fibrous, furry bit at the center of the bulb-the bit that looks like the stamens of a flower—or the interesting part of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting—and the purple leaves that are attached to it. Leave the rest of the leaves, the stem, and the choke (the meaty top part of the artichoke below the stem) intact. …