Grilled Artichokes

Do you love artichokes? Susy does and craves them every summer. We've tested several recipes and have come up with a great way to enjoy this beautiful and complicated vegetable. For even more fun, grill up at least one of the lemons. It gives them such a smoky and subtle flavor.

2-4 whole artichokes
3 large lemons
1 bay leaf
Olive Oil
Course Sea Salt

Wash artichokes under cold water, trim leaves from the top, and remove the outer layer(s) of leaves from the stem end. Snip all remaining spiky tips from the outer leaves. As each artichoke is prepared, stand it upright in the pain, fitting snugly so they stay standing. Add 2-3 inches of water, 1 tsp salt, juice from 1 lemon and the bay leaf.

When all the artichokes are prepared, cover the pan and bring to a boil. Boil 12 to 15 minutes. (Test doneness by ensuring the stem can be pierced easily with a knife. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.

While the artichokes are cooking, preheat grill to medium. Once cool, slice the artichokes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the choke and first few inner layers in the center until the bottom is revealed. Brush each half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the artichokes until tender and lightly charred, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving platter, squeeze half a lemon over them and garnish with the remaining lemon half cut into 4 wedges. Serve warm.

You can also serve them with a lemon butter sauce. Simply melt butter, add lemon and enjoy.