Visiting Italy in early spring, more specifically Easter-time, is a wonderful idea.  Hands-down their most celebrated holiday each year,  this time of year to Italians is filled with family gatherings, fresh produce, and a celebration of classic family recipes.  Take this fabulous springtime recipe for ‘Braised Artichokes with Tomatoes & Mint’ for example.  Simple in its ingredients, but packed full of southern Italian flavor, the smells of springtime in Italy surround you in your kitchen while these lovely veggies braise on the stove. Preparing fresh artichokes is a bit of  a chore, but well worth it.  You can just smell it now–fresh artichokes braising in a mixture of tomatoes, white wine, anchovies, fresh mint, and garlic.  Incredible as a side dish or maybe even served as a small plate with crusty bread, or over pasta for an amazing vegetarian entree.

(To view this recipe, click on the following link: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/braised-artichokes-with-tomatoes-and-mint)

Tagged: anchovies, artichokes, Bon Appetit, braised artichokes, braised vegetables, fresh artichokes, garlic, Italian, Italy, mint, tomatoes, white wine