Written by Our prompt of “Artichoke” today was timely, since I’m starting to switch to my spring eating habits. Though I do generally try to eat healthy things on a regular basis, and certainly that’s all Philippe really ever cooks for us, the winter includes quite a few extra indulgences. The effects of these indulgences I can hide under sweaters, but as the weather gets warmer, I find myself unable to hide my cold weather indiscretions. This is really just a polite way of saying I got a bit larger over the winter and now it’s time to slim back down. I don’t really “go on a diet” as that always sounds like something one does for just awhile and then moves on. Instead, I just put the sensible back in my eating habits now that winter playtime is over. And I do love artichokes in about every form they come in, and this unfortunately includes fried, which isn’t really on the healthy side of the menu. But, it’s still good to have a treat every now and again. As with all lovely things in life, moderation is a wonderful practice.
This weekend when Philippe came downstairs, I announced, “I’m overweight!” and he just looked at me as though it was odd that I was just now noticing this. Then he simply nodded and said, “Okay.” I’m not exactly sure that this was the reaction I was hoping for during my grand epiphany, but this was much more understated than I’d expected. Yet, as dinner came around, I noticed that the food on my plate was a much smaller portion. He had quietly, and I should add lovingly, made a few adjustments. This is actually the same scenario that takes place each and every year. Yet this year, I felt the effects of age ravaging my metabolism just a bit more than usual. The thing is, I really adore food, and have always loved to eat. I’m usually pretty good about not overindulging, but this winter was apparently a notable exception. Philippe just calmly switches the menu and the dinner plates get so green it’s like we’ve become rabbits raiding a garden. And I totally adore it! He actually knows how to make every vegetable taste like it’s a treat.
We recently discovered the sunchoke, which is also known as the Jerusalem artichoke, even though it has no origin there, looks more like ginger, and doesn’t taste at all like an artichoke. In any case, it’s really delicious! Unfortunately, it’s rather rare here so it’s not the cheapest vegetable around. Instead, it’s become a rare treat. Philippe slices them thin and roasts them in the oven and last night we had these sunchoke chips with a bit of fish. It was amazing! And I’m excited for the new menu ahead, as I say goodbye to those decadent winter dishes. There’s no full set menu that returns, as Philippe loves to experiment, but there are some seasonal favorites that I’m secretly hoping will come back this year. I’m thrilled for the spring weather and the sunny days ahead, and though the flowers are being a bit shy, they’ll be appearing very soon. And I’ll soon be sitting outside and watching the show with my glass of sparkling water and a plateful of Philippe’s artistic endeavors, as I happily begin the season of eating greener.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Hansa Yellow Medium, Opus (Vivid Pink), Cobalt Turquoise, Terra Cotta, and Indigo. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen (Extra Fine Nib) with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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Very beautiful
Thanks so much, Danai! 😃💕
I love when fresh local veg starts to show up. Peas are usually first here. Love those. And rhubarb that gets turned into pie. And greens. I’m getting excited!
Yum to all of that, Lisa! 😃💕 That just made me hungry!! Can’t wait!
Excellent Charlie and I hear you regarding the extra winter weight. I am planning to get to the gym 5 days this week. Today was day 2 and the substitute instructor taught us some zumba. Definitely burned some calories!
Thanks, Karen! 😃💕 Yay for zumba… that’s so much fun!
Looks fabulous!!! Oh!! I never heard of fried artichokes? Sounds yummy!! lol I do not do the diet thing either and funny thing i probably have more treats in the warm seasons lol. I go for more walks and find a nice treat on the way home lol like cheesecake but i walk it off right? lol 🙂
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕 It’s actually fried artichoke hearts and it’s really delicious, like most fried things. hehe And yay to rewarding that extra exercise with treats! lol
Now I’m eager to try sunchokes. I hope I can find some in the stores here.
They’re so good! 😃💕 We actually couldn’t find them here at our regular groceries, but then found them at Whole Foods. Yummy!
Wonderful job on the artichoke – very realistic. I do love eating them.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 They’re so yummy!
Fantastic sketch, Charlie! I’ve never had artichokes in my life lol!
Thanks so much, Zertab! 😃💕 Oh wow! You need to try them someday! So good!
Great doodle Charlie.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕
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Thanks, Susan! 😃💕
Wonderful artichoke, Charlie! We never had a long enough stretch of cold weather this winter for me to get into cooking those winter comfort food meals.Probably a good thing. 🙂
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 Winter comfort food meals are my favorite! Well… I’m a little too much of a fan it would seem! hehe
Sunchoke…. aha, just give me a sunshock, I’ll be happy too 🙂
hehe! Anything with sun and I’m in!! Ready for it! 😃💕
7:32 a.m. and I’m craving artichokes…that painting and the article are delicious.
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕 I’m pretty sure artichokes are yummy any time of the day! hehe
Pretty artichoke. I’ve never had an artichoke. Gasp! I saw someone eating one years ago. She was dipping the leaves(?) in melted butter. I’m not much of a butter person and it didn’t look appealing to me. I don’t like to cook, so therefore I don’t like recipes or instructions or experimenting in the kitchen. Get in and get out. Hahaha!
Thanks so much, Lori! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, mostly artichoke hearts on a salad are the easiest way to go. I like the flavors of the leaves, but it’s too much work and gnawing! lol
Lol, I knew they would be tough!
Nice Artichoke, I really like all the petals close together and how they make a solid mass.
Thanks so much, Shawn! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this!
Nice JOB Charlie…
Thanks so much, Walt! 😃💕
Artichoke a very healthy veg and you doodle is so beautiful!
Thanks so much, Fatima! 😃💕
Lovely painting. I’ve never eaten an artichoke and I’ve never heard of a sunchoke.
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕 You should try both then! So delicious!
Bonsoir, car ici en France, il est mercredi 11.3.2020 vers minuit – c’est, deux très beaux artichauts, je vais essayer de les refaire, je refais régulièrement vos oeuvres, pour bien évoluer dans le dessin – c’est la première fois – depuis très longtemps, que je vois vos réponses à vos amis – moi non plus, je ne connais pas l’artichaut frit – je le mange bouilli, avec de la vinaigrette – c’est un excellent “nettoyeur” du corps – à force, de vous lire, de regarder vos oeuvres aussi – mais surtout, de vous lire, je trouve que vous avez énormément de chance, d’être aimé, de Philippe ainsi – il semble vous entourer, vous protéger – mais jamais, vous nous dites, ce que Vous, vous faites pour lui ? mes amitiés – Cathy
Bonsoir, Cathy! So happy you enjoyed this and enjoy my stories! 😃💕 And friend artichoke hearts are not as cleansing to the body… hehe… but so yummy! lol And yes, I’m quite lucky to have Philippe. As for one I do, it’s mainly the dishes, cleaning, taking out trash, etc. … that way he can focus on just his hobby of cooking and have time to watch documentaries! 😉
Artichokes are tasty.
Indeed they are! 😃