Steaming is the classic way to cook globe artichokes. Their leaves become very tender and perfect for dipping one by one into melted butter (this one is flavored with fresh tarragon). The artichokes would also be delicious with Hollandaise Sauce (page 96), or crème fraîche and caviar.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　

For steaming artichokes

4 medium or large globe artichokes (about 2 pounds total)

　　1 sprig tarragon

　　Coarse salt

　　4 thin lemon slices

　　

For tarragon butter

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

　　1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves

　　Coarse salt

　　

For serving

Lemon wedges

　　

Step 1

Prepare artichokes Using a serrated knife, cut off top quarter of each artichoke. Use kitchen shears to trim sharp tips of artichoke leaves. Remove any small leaves from bottoms of artichokes and trim stems so artichokes can stand upright.

　　

Step 2

Prepare steamer Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and add a sprig of tarragon and a pinch of salt. Set steamer basket in pot (make sure water doesn’t seep through holes). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer.

　　

Step 3

Steam artichokes Stand artichokes upright in steamer and season with salt. Top each with a lemon slice. Cover pot and steam until bottoms of artichokes are very tender when pierced to the center with the tip of a paring knife, 35 to 50 minutes. (Add more hot water if necessary to maintain level during cooking.)

　　

Step 4

Meanwhile, make butter Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in chopped tarragon and season with salt.

　　

Step 5

Serve Place an artichoke on each plate with some lemon wedges and serve warm tarragon butter on the side for dipping.

　　Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook by Martha Stewart. Copyright © 2008 by Martha Stewart. Published by Crown Publishing. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the Emmy-winning, daily national syndicated program, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which publishes several magazines, including Martha Stewart Living; produces Martha Stewart Living Radio, channel 112 on SIRIUS Satellite Radio; and provides a wealth of ideas and information on www.marthastewart.com.