Shaved artichoke Parmesan salad

[pacific breeze]

I love artichokes and they're in season now. This sounds divine.

Recipe: Shaved Artichoke Salad

Time: 30 Minutes

8 baby artichokes, cleaned
Vinegar for soaking (optional)
Zest and juice of a lemon
Chunk of Parmesan
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as necessary
Salt and pepper
Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish.

1. Prepare artichokes by trimming stem, cutting off pointed tips and removing tough leaves. Slice thinly with mandoline. As each artichoke is finished, drop slices into a bowl of cold water with about 10 percent vinegar or lemon juice.

2. Slice Parmesan with mandoline, creating as many pieces as you have artichoke slices, and about the same size.

3. Remove artichoke slices from water and dry, then toss with olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Sprinkle with a little salt and a fair amount of pepper, then lay Parmesan on top. Taste and add more olive oil, lemon juice, salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with herbs and lemon zest and serve.

Yield: 4 servings.