Fastest way to an Artichoke's heart

I remember having my first artichoke in junior college. I went to a friend of a friend's house and their mom had made steamed artichokes with a delicious mayo/vinegar dip. I haven't figured out how to duplicate the dip (unfortunately never asked for the recipe or watched them make it), but I have since found a quick and simple tasty way to enjoy artichokes.
First you have to buy the right kind, big, round and closed leaves. If the leaves are open then the artichoke isn't as fresh. Luckily Safeway has been getting in huge artichokes at a pretty reasonable price. I've been having them for dinner, with dinner or just a light snack. Here is the way I enjoy them without the thirty minute wait of steaming them.

Rinse your artichoke in water and dab dry with a paper towel. Then cut in half a lemon and squeeze juice over the artichoke. Then sprinkle it with lemon pepper. Place it in a plastic vegetable bag (or the new steamer bags if it will fit). Tie it closed and put it in the microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes. If its an extra big one I will add another 30 seconds or so.
As it cooks in the microwave in a small dipping dish combine mayo, fresh squeezed lemon juice (use the other half of the one you used for the artichoke) and sprinkle with lemon pepper. Mix together until all combined.
I usually let the artichoke sit for a few minutes after cutting the bag open to cool down. Then plate and enjoy.
I usually eat it with rice pilaf (one of my friends thinks this is a odd combo but it works for me) or have some garlic bread with it. But mostly I just eat it alone and often. When it's that quick and easy why not.

A roll in the grass and dirt

This morning was the beginning to a warm Saturday, predicted temps in the 100. It's getting close to the end of summer and hopefully this is the last of the hot weekends. I usually spend my weekend mornings watering the plants and grass (and watching Food Network). So I got out there before the afternoon sun hits the plants and they turn into themselves for safety. As I'm watering the plants I hear grunting from the grass area. I look over to see Charlie enjoying a roll in the grass. I'm not sure why this feels so good to dogs, but the look of joy and happiness on his face as he rolls on his back, kicking his legs up just brings a smile to my face.
Now Charlie has the good sense to roll in the grass, where the only real danger is maybe rolling in some doggy poop that didn't get picked up, but for the most time he comes out of it clean and invigorated. Where Maggie seems to enjoy rolling in the dirt. Yes, I know I probably shouldn't have dirt in my backyard, but it's still a work in progress. A few weeks ago you might remember I had to give Maggie a "Silkwood"bath because she was more brown than black. Well this is how it happens. If I leave her out too long on her own she always ends up taking a good long roll in the dirt. Now she seems just as happy about it as Charlie, but of course comes out a whole lot dirtier. So I have to invest in doggy wipes and brush her down before letting her in the house. And then she wonders why she isn't allowed up n the couch or bed like Charlie. Silly dogs.

Lemon Garlic Pork Chops with Lemon Tarragon Asparagus

As you might have guessed I LOVE lemon. And I LOVE garlic, so this recipe jumped out at me right away. It was simple, about 5-6 ingredients and it included fresh lemon juice and zest. Now the original recipe in the book called from Lamb chops, but after not finding any in the market, I went with pork chops, thin cut. I'm sure it would have been a bit tasty with Lamb, even though I can't say I've ever eaten lamb and after reading the book Skinny Bitch probably will never eat lamb or meat after this. The pork chops turned out pretty tasty but as always seem to end up dry. I'm not sure what to do with the other 3 pieces I have left over, as microwaving them to warm up will just dry them up more. Any ideas???
As for the asparagus, just as simple and lemon without garlic, but with tarragon, which I realized now I've never had and didn't care for as it tasted like black licorice which I HATE. Luckily the lemon made up for it and I didn't use as mush tarragon as it called for.
But if you love lemon like I do and lots of garlic this is a good recipe to try.

The recipes are as follows:

Lemon Garlic Marinated "Lamb" Pork Chops
1 tbl of olive oil
2 tbl of fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp of lemon zest
2 tbl of fresh chopped oregano
6 cloves of garlic minced (I only used 3 large cloves)
Preheat the broiler, or grill pan over medium heat. In a small bowl mix all ingredients except for lamb chops. Then combine everything in a sealed bag, moving the chops around to get covered. Then marinate for 20 mins -1 hour at room temperature. Remove the chops from marinade and discard the extra marinade. Grill or broil the chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare.

Lemon Tarragon Asparagus
1 bunch of cut asparagus (woody bottoms removed)
1 tbl of water
1 tbl of olive oil
1/2 tsp of lemon zest
2 tbl of fresh lemon juice
1/4 salt
pinch of ground black pepper
1 tsp of fresh chopped tarragon

Place the asparagus in a microwave safe bowl, cover tightly and microwave for 2 minutes. Drain well.
While asparagus is cooking, whisk together in a bowl oil, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the asparagus , add tarragon toss and serve.