Steamed Artichokes

2 whole artichokes
1 clove garlic
1 bay leaf
1 T lemon juice

1. Cut stem from artichokes and discard, making sure the bottom of each artichoke is flat. Cut top 1 inch (or so) of the artichoke and discard. Snip the thorny ends from each artichoke leaf with a pair of kitchen scissors.
2. Fill the bottom of a pot* with a couple of inches of water, adding garlic, lemon juice, and bay leaf to the water. Place a steamer basket in the pot, making sure that the water does not flow over the bottom of the steamer basket.
3. Place the artichokes in the basket, resting on the flattened bottoms.
4. Bring water to a boil, cover the pot, and cook until the leaves can be easily pulled from the artichoke, 20 to 30 minutes.

*We used our rice cooker. It worked wonderfully and we will never cook these any other way again.

Thank you allrecipes.com for the idea.  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/simple-steamed-artichokes/detail.aspx

We make a simple dipping sauce which is just mayonnaise and curry powder to taste. We mixed it up ahead to let the flavors meld.

We enjoyed it so much that it was gone before we even thought about pictures. This is an ideal light appetizer before a heavy holiday meal.