Spring always turns my thoughts to artichokes and asparagus and even though I have written about artichokes before, I can’t help but include them again.  This time, I am challenging those who have never made whole steamed artichokes to try it.  It is so simple yet so decadent. 

Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Dill Aioli 

Ingredients 
2 large artichokes 
1/2 cup mayonnaise 
3 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice 
1 1/2 tsp. dried dill

Instructions
Trim stems from artichokes.  With a knife or scissors, trim off the top 1/4 of the artichoke leaves and discard.
Bring 2″ of water to boil in a large pot.  Fit with steamer basket and put artichokes inside.  Cover and steam until leaves pull out easily and heart is tender, 70-80 minutes.  
Remove artichokes from pot.  
Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and serve with artichokes, dipping the thick wide end of each leaf into the aioli. 
Enjoy!