Artichokes With Lemon Lager Sauce

Ingredients

4 artichokes

1 gallon boiling water

1 egg

1/2 cup pilsner lager

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Pinch cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons butter

Preparation

Trim the long stems and tough outer leaves from the artichokes. Use a pair of tongs to put the artichokes into boiling water and let cook until tender, about 35-45 minutes, depending on size.

Place the egg, lager, cornstarch, lemon juice and cayenne papper in a blender, cover the lid with a towel and hold down to prevent splashes. The lager will foam quite a bit.

Melt the butter in a heavy, 1-quart saucepan over very low heat until deep gold. The milk solids will foam up and turn brown. Skim off the browned bits and, whisking continuously, add the lemon-lager mixture.

Cook the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens. Serve warm, as a dipping sauce for the artichokes.