Artichoke....my favorite Veggie!

Every time I buy Artichokes at the store the cashier has no idea what it is.  They are missing out!  At our home it is a special treat that would be chosen over desert any day (seriously it is my kids favorite).  So I decided that you all needed to know just how to prepare an artichoke!

 I first cut off the tip.

 I then cut off the tips of each leaf.  This isn't necessary but some of the tips are prickly and since my kids are eating them I like to cut them off. 

 I like to wash the Artichoke, again this isn't necessary but sometimes there is a little dirt in there that I like to get out. 

 Place in a pan and steam in salted water for 30-40 min.  You will know they are done when you can pull off one of the top outside leaves easily.

 While the artichoke is steaming mix together about 1/2 cup mayonnaise, juice from 1/2 a lemon, and salt to taste. (You can tweak this to your tastes).

 When the artichokes are done take one leaf off at a time, dip into the mayonnaise/lemon sauce and scrap off the meat of the leaf with your bottom teeth.  As you get deeper into the artichoke more and more of the leaf will be easily scrapped off.

Now this is the best part,  the heart.  Once you get to center scrape out the hair like leaves at the center (do not eat these).  Once they are scraped out spread the sauce on the heart and enjoy!!!