Artichokes

Simply Artichokes

4 artichokes

dutch oven or similar size pot with 1 1/2 inches of lightly salted water

melted butter for dipping

• Bring the water in the pot to boiling. You can fit it with a steamer if you have one.
• Rinse the artichokes thoroughly. You can let them soak in lemon water.
• Trim the stems of the artichokes even with the bottom of the artichoke.
• Cut off the top of the artichoke.
• Trim the leaves of the artichokes. You are removing the thorns and making each artichoke look  more appealing.
• Gently loosen and spread out the leaves.
• Place the artichokes with the stems facing up in the pot of boiling salted water.
• Cover the pot and let the artichokes steam for about 40 minutes. Test to see if they are tender by gently pulling off a leaf. It should come off easily.

You can flavor the water with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice if you like.

Serve with the melted butter.