1. Wash and trim the artichokes. Fill with water, a quarter, an 8 T pot, and bring to a boil. Add all the ingredients – squeeze the lemon first, then put the rest.

2. Bring to a boil again. Add the artichokes, stems down (moisten them) then turn them over, so that the stems are up.

3. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 45 minutes. Use tongs to remove the artichokes when they are cooked, and drain them, upside down, in a colander.