STEAMED ARTICHOKES

Prepare the artichoke for cooking by cutting the top 1/3 to 1/2 off. 

Then trim or cut off the tip of each artichoke petal (the spines). 

Place them in 1-2 inches of boiling water. 

The time it takes to cook an artichoke varies based on size and personal preference.  Some people like them really soft and others like them less cooked.  Start with about 30 minutes and increase it to your preference. 

To test to see if they are done, pierce the stem and into the heart of the artichoke with a sharp knife.  It should slide into the heart easily, much like the feel of a well boiled potato.