Artichokes with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce

Total time: 55 minutes
     Globe artichokes can be stuffed, or cooked and served as a vegetable.  Or simply eaten our favorite way: steamed, dipping the leaves in something slightly decadent.  The artichokes take about 45 minutes to steam. This can be done anytime and served warm or cold.  They are done when an inner leaf pulls out easily.

 Ingredients:

• 2 globe artichokes
• lemon juice
• Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce:
• 2 tbs mayonnaise
• 1 tbs white Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbs salad olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

 Instructions:

• Cut off bottoms of artichokes and remove any tough lower leaves.  Dip in water to which a tbs of lemon juice has been added (to prevent discoloration). 
• Cut the top 1/3rd of the artichoke off and discard.
• For a nice presentation cut off the tips of the bottom half of the leaves - using a scissors. Don't worry about the choke (fuzzy hairs inside).
• Put in steamer and steam 40 - 50 minutes, depending on size.
• Serve artichokes with a small dipping bowl of dipping sauce. 
• Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce
• Whisk everything together well.  It should keep the consistency of the mayonnaise, maybe a bit less stiff. 
• Divide into 2 small bowels to serve.