Chokes....

My brother lives within driving distance of the self-proclaimed Artichoke Capital of the World, i.e. Castroville in Monterey County, and that does have its benefits. For example, why wait for the hamlet's annual Artichoke Festival in May when you could be enjoying a four-course artichoke meal right now for about $20?

While spring brings the bumper crop, artichokes are luckily harvested year round in Monterrey County. That's yet another reason to salute this vegetable with a rough exterior and a heart of green gold. Driving south from San Francisco, through Silicon Valley and down towards Monterrey, you will pass through the heart of the Choke region. Drive through Watsonville and to the coast, turn right and you will find the endless fields.

The road side stands sell the vegetable at a great price, I see them selling for almost $5 each, there you can get 20 small for a dollar or the big ones for a dollar each at most. When they are at this price, you can't let the chance pass by, you buy as much as you can carry.