i have a recently sparked up a completely new love affair with artichokes. i'm sure you used to eat them growing up like i did, the standard steamed leafy stemmed cousin of the thistle dunked in melted butter; a tasty combination, don’t get me wrong, but recently, i’ve learned they can be both ridiculously delicious as well as healthy. who can argue with 6o calories per choke and a whopping 7 grams of fiber? not i. as for the butter? (in this particular case), not necessary.