2 artichokes
Fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
6 Tbs butter
Salt to taste
Wash artichokes under running water. Pull off lower petals that are small or discolored. Cut stems close to base. Cut the tips off the top of the artichoke. Boil water in a large saucepan and add a steamer basket. Place artichokes in the steamer basket and steam for 30 to 45 minutes. Pull off a leaf to test for done-ness. Leaf should pull out easily and fleshy ends will be soft to eat.
In a small saucepan, warm lemon juice and butter and garlic. Add salt to taste.
How to eat an artichoke: Artichoke leaves can be picked off one by one and dipped in the garlic lemon butter. Drag your teeth over the very tip of the leaf to remove the soft pulp of the artichoke.
When you reach the center of the artichoke, remove the inedible purple-toned inner leaves and scape away the choke, which looks like fuzzy fibers. You will find the heart. Cut the artichoke heart into pieces and enjoy with the garlic lemon butter.
*** The smell of garlic can be removed by running your hands under cold water while rubbing a stainless steel object.