Artichokes

Artichokes are one of my favorite foods. They're also a social food. You sit around a plate of artichokes, using your fingers to pick the petals and dip them in a communal bowl of butter, or mayonnaise, or the like. They're also simple to make.

Ingredients and Materials:
Artichokes
1 stick salted Butter
1/2 lemon
2 cloves garlic
A Big Stock Pot (make sure your artichokes will all fit in it before you begin)

Instructions:
The ripest artichokes are the ones that are the most open. Tight, closed artichokes don't cook as fast or taste as good. Keep this in mind while picking them.
Cut artichokes in half and boil until petals come away easily, then strain. Let cool a bit while you make the butter.
Melt butter in a sauce of frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and strained juice from 1/2 lemon. Turn heat down a little and let simmer. While your butter is simmering, scoop out the thistle centers of your artichokes.
Serve on a platter with butter in a smaller dish, and with a large bowl for spent leaves. The butter will separate, so keep a spoon on hand to mix it.

To Eat Artichokes:
I have come across several people who, to my great astonishment, didn't know how to eat an artichoke. So here's what you do:
1. Take a petal.
2. Dip the lower, thicker/heavier end in the butter.
3. Use your teeth to scrape the soft flesh from the inside and lower part of the petal.