Char-Grilled Baby Artichokes

CHAR-GRILLED BABY ARTICHOKES
½ c. olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
Artichokes, partially steamed (only steam about 10-15 minutes) or you can buy the baby artichokes

1. Place olive oil in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, allow to sizzle.
3. Reduce heat to low, stir until garlic is soft and very fragrant. Do not brown. Set aside.
4. Cut artichokes in half lengthwise (if very large cut into quarters; if using baby ones, just cut in half.)
5. Pull out and discard fluffy interior leaves and use spoon to remove and discard the choke.
6. Heat a grill to medium high.
7. Brush artichokes on all sides with garlic infused olive oil.
8. Place on grill, turning from time to time, until charred in spots.
9. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like aioli, variations of aioli and vinaigrettes.
   PERFECT STEAMED ARTICHOKES
   Artichokes
   Salt and pepper
   Olive oil
10. Pull off and discard tough and discolored leaves from bottom of artichoke.
11. Cut off the stem so that it will sit evenly.
12. Slice off about an inch off the top of the artichoke.
13. With kitchen shears, snip off and discard the prickly ends of remaining leaves.
14. Turn the artichoke upside down and bang on the counter to help open up the leaves.
15. You can take your hand and gently pull them away from the center.
16. Sprinkle the top with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil all around the artichoke and down into the leaves.
17. Transfer to a steamer basket set over salted boiling water, cover and cook for 30 minutes or until tender. You can usually with tongs, pull on a leaf. If it comes out easily, it is done.
18. Drain and serve with your favorite dipping sauce (balsamic vinegar, aioli or any dressing.)