Globe Artichokes

Have a large saucepan of 4cups boiling water ready. Add the white wine vinegar and the salt. Pop in the artichokes and bring the water back to the boil. Simmer steadily for about 25 minutes. After about 20 minutes test the artichokes to see if they are done by tugging off one of the larger leaves at the base. It should come away easily; if it doesnÕt continue to cook the artichokes for another 5 or 10 minutes. When cooked, remove the artichokes from the water and drain upside down on a hot serving plate.

While they are cooking, simply melt the butter and then add some lemon juice to taste. Serve the melted butter sauce in a little bowl beside the artichokes. Globe artichokes are eaten with the fingers, so you might like to provide a finger bowl. A spare plate to collect all the nibbled leaves would also be useful.