Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 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. 2

   Microwave lemon 15 seconds (releases more juice) and then juice lemon--you should end up with 3-4 Tbs juice. Discard peel.

3. 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. 4

   To eat, dip individual leaves in lemon-butter and scrape the "meat" of the artichokes into your mouth with your front teeth. Yum!. Taste for salt and serve when it looks done.