Steamed Artichokes with Dill Mayonnaise

1. Cut off the thorny tips of the leaves with kitchen scissors.

2. Slice about 3/4 inch off the tip of the artichoke.

3. Pull off smaller leaves on and around the stem.

4. Cut off all but 1-2 inches of stem and peel a layer of skin off of the remaining stem.

5. Cut two slices of lemon.

6. Cook the artichokes: Put a few inches of water, garlic, lemon, and bay leaves in a large pot. Insert a steamer basket.

7. Put the artichokes in the steamer basket.

8. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-45 minutes, depending on the size of the artichokes. The outer leaves should come off easily when pulled.

9. Stir dried dill into mayonnaise.

10. Serve artichokes hot, dipping the leaves into dill mayonnaise.

11. (Be sure to discard the choke of the artichoke before enjoying the artichoke heart. The choke is the fibrous, inedible part of the artichoke covering the heart).