Steamed Artichokes Recipe

Snip off the pointed tips on the artichoke leaves. Also trim botton stem and cut an 'x' in the bottom. Please artichokes in a dutch over type pot. Add enough water to cover bottom of pot and maybe 1/2" of stem/base. You just want to add a little olive oil for flavor so perhaps a tablespoon or two. 'crack' a couple of bay leaves and cut in a couple slices of lemon. Cooking time depends on the size the the artichokes. You want them to steam and keep the cover on the pot. After maybe 30 minutes you may want to start checking them for doneness, by pulling up on one of the leaves. If the leaf pulls up easily and is tender to the touch it should be done.

Add salt and pepper to taste. And enjoy. This is the way my family has always cooked them. I have seen 'Americans ' cook them differently, and serve them by dipping them in melted butter. We were never very big on butter in our household, but olive oil was a definite staple.