Artichokes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 artichokes, whole, trimmed
4 qt. water
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns

Preparation

Combine all ingredients except artichokes in 5-quart pot and bring to a boil.
Add artichokes, partially cover with lid and return to boil.
Cook until stem end easily pierced with a fork, allowing 30 minutes for medium or 40 minutes for large artichokes. Remove from liquid and drain upside down.
Serve hot or cold. May be served with melted butter or mayonnaise for dipping.