The season finale of 'Lovely Betty' is just about to start so this will be quick.

I liked the idea of steaming these - I'm hoping that the base will cook more quickly than the leaves as they'll be nearer the water.

Even though they are large, the artichokes seem very tender. I've sliced off the very top and smeared it with lemon juice and stripped away some of the outer leaves. They are in a pan now with an inch of water, some vinegar, salt, garlic and a little oil and there they'll stay for the next half hour.

I'll report again later. Thanks! I learnt a lot from both your suggestions^