| 1 | Impress your favorite valentine with these lovely artichoke baskets filled with a creamy fat free dip. |
| 2 | For artichokes: with sharp knife, cut off stems. |
| 3 | With scissors, snip off prickly tips. |
| 4 | Rinse and shake ff water. |
| 5 | Wrap artichokes in plastic wrap and place on microwave safe plate or place in a microwave safe casserole. |
| 6 | Add ?cup water and cover. |
| 7 | Place in microwave and cook on high 5-?to 8-?minutes until lower leaves can be pulled off and base pierces easily with fork |
| 8 | rotate and rearrange halfway through cooking. |
| 9 | Let stand 3-5 minutes. |
| 10 | to prepare dip: in small bowl combine mayonnaise, garlic, capers and caper brine. |
| 11 | to prepare basket: remove ?of one side of artichoke leaves; reserve leaves |
| 12 | carefully remove and discard the choke. |
| 13 | Place on small plate. |
| 14 | Fill inside of basket with caper kip and allow some to spill out onto the plate. |
| 15 | Chill until ready to serve. |
| 16 | If desired serve with reserved artichoke leaves. |
| 17 | Note* if desired, artichokes can be cooked on stove top. |
| 18 | Place trimmed artichokes stem side down in small saucepot just big enough to hold them snugly. |
| 19 | Pour boiling water to a depth of 1 inch,cover and steam 45 minutes over medium heat until done as above. |
| 20 | With tongs, remove from pot; drain. |
| 21 | Makes 2 servings, 129 calories each. |
