Baked Artichokes with Lemon, Garlic and Basil

I grew up eating artichokes and they were always a special treat in our home. My sisters and I would be very excited on the nights my Mom made them. She always made them the same way, boiled and served with a side of mayonnaise...it was the best. I just bought a couple of really big artichokes and decided to try baking them instead of boiling or steaming. They turned out so good. They were perfectly cooked and full of lemon, garlic, basil flavor. You don't need a dipping sauce with these artichokes. My children ate a full half by themselves and were disappointed I didn't make more. Isn't it great when your kids eat a vegetable and love it?!?

• 2 large artichokes
• 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 basil leaves, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup, chicken stock

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. With kitchen scissors, trim all the sharp ends off of each leaf. Wash the artichoke well in cool water. Slice down the center to form two halves. Clean out all the fuzzy hairs and smaller leaves with a spoon then immediately rub all the cut areas with a lemon.

Next combine the olive oil, basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper in a bowl. Mix until it becomes a paste. I rubbed it all over the artichoke halves and inside the leaves.

Coat the baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Place each artichoke half top side down in a baking dish. Pour the chicken stock in the dish and cover with a lid or tin foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until soft and tender. Enjoy!

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