Simple Steamed Artichokes

Directions:  

1. Tap the choke upside down in the sink. This will remove anything that may have made this artichoke a home.
2. Rinse the choke in cold water.
3. If the artichoke has little thorns on the end of the leaves, take a kitchen scissors and cut the thorned tips of all of the outer leaves. This is optional and for aesthetics only. Thorns soften with cooking and pose no threat to the person eating the artichoke.
4. Slice about 1 inch off the tip of the artichoke.
5. Pull off any smaller, loose leaves towards the base.
6. Slice off all but about 1/2-1" of the stem.
7. Place prepared artichokes in a bowl of water with the juice of 1 lemon until you are ready to cook them.
8. In a large pot, bring 1 1/2 to 2 cups water to a boil.
9. Place artichokes in a single layer and simmer, uncovered for 30-40 minutes until outer leaves easily peel off.
10. Remove from the water with tongs and allow to drain. 
11. Serve hot or cold with your favorite dipping sauce; chilled artichokes have more flavor.

Trying serving with these market favorites:

Dulcet's Lemon Mustard & Dill Sauce
Blossom Vinegar's Lemon-Dill Vinegar, mixed with a little melted butter.