We're deep into artichoke season and it's sad to think that many people won't cook artichokes at home because they're intimidated by all those spikes and thistle-y chokes. But no more! Here's a great, easy-to-follow video on how to prep an artichoke by Portland, OR chef Michele Knaus.

If you like what you see (including a glimpse of a really sweet kitchen with bright yellow cabinets and a vintage stove) then read on for another clip by Michele on making artichoke pesto. These wonderful cooking demos come from my favorite Oregon-centric website, Cooking Up a Story or CUpS.

Confession: Even though I live in one of the most magnificent places on the planet*, lately I've been developing a bit of a city-crush on Portland, Oregon. Initially it was all that affordable housing that caught my attention but what's kept me coming back is Portland's energetic and innovative food scene. Indeed all of Oregon seems to be bursting with vineyards, goat dairies, organic farms and orchards.