By CAROLE KOTKIN
McClatchy Newspapers
To the uninitiated, spiky artichokes with their fuzzy chokes may seem like more trouble than they are worth. Artichoke lovers know differently.
The choke sits atop a meaty heart that is considered a delicacy. The surrounding leaves also contain a small amount of flesh. The best way to prepare and present artichokes is the simplest: steamed or boiled and with a simple dip like melted butter.

