my favorite way to prepare artichokes is to steam/boil them (trimmed of all sharp tips) w/slivers of garlic tucked in between some of the leaves. then when they are cool enough to handle, I cut them ih half (quarters if they are huge), take out the choke w/ a knife & spoon, coat them w/olive oil & grill them until they get nice grill marks on all sides. grilling totally changes the flavor & brings out the rich nuttiness of the artichoke.....even better if you do it over a charcoal fire w/ smoke chips. it only takes a few minutes on each side. then I serve them w/Best Foods mayo that I've added orange zest, a little orange juice & jalapeno to. I could eat this every night of the week---& sometimes do. It makes a great appetizer.