Steamed Artichokes

My favorite way to eat artichokes is the simplest. I gave the recipe for two, because I like to sit and eat one with my sister. However, adjust the recipe for however many you want to make. I use pepper but not salt to season, but of course you can use salt if you prefer a saltier taste.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2  fresh artichokes
• 1  large lemon
• 1⁄2-1  tablespoon  minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 1  tablespoon fresh thyme leave
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 4  tablespoons butter, melted
•  pepper

Directions

1. Cut off stem end as well as 1 inch of the top, remove outermost leaves of artichokes and snip off pointy tips of remaining leaves. Steam, covered in a rack over boiling water about 1/2 hour until base of an artichoke is soft enough to pierce easily (you'll probably have to replace the water over time).
2. Microwave lemon 15 seconds (releases more juice) and then juice lemon--you should end up with 3-4 Tbs juice. Discard peel.
3. In a small skillet, sauté garlic and thyme in oil about 1 minute. With a fork or tiny whisk, whisk in lemon juice, butter and pepper and remove from heat.
4. To eat, dip individual leaves in lemon-butter and scrape the "meat" of the artichokes into your mouth with your front teeth. Yum!