When you’re buying artichokes, look for ones that are an even green with not a lot of brown. And try to choose ones with tighter leaves.  Squeeze the artichoke and listen for a squeak. That’s a good sign.

Here is what I’ve found to be the best way to hard-boil eggs.

Put the eggs in a sauce pan and add enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches.  Put the saucepan over a high flame. Keep an eye on it, and as soon as it comes to a full boil, turn [...]