How do you prepare a globe artichoke for cooking?

1. Select the artichokes. Look for firm, heavy artichokes with compact, tightly closed leaves. Avoid artichokes that are soft or have brown or discolored leaves.

2. Remove the tough outer leaves. Grasp the artichoke with one hand and the stem with the other hand, and twist to snap the stem off. Then, use your fingers or a knife to remove the tough outer leaves, leaving the pale inner leaves exposed.

3. Trim the artichoke. Use a sharp knife to trim the remaining outer leaves, exposing the heart of the artichoke. Cut off about 1/2 inch of the top of the artichoke, removing the spiny tips.

4. Clean the artichoke. Using your fingers or a small spoon, remove the choke, which is the fuzzy material in the center of the artichoke. Rinse the artichoke under cool water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

5. Steam or boil the artichoke. Place the artichoke in a steamer or colander set over a pot of boiling water. Steam the artichoke for 20-30 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and can be easily pulled away from the base. You can also boil the artichoke in a pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

6. Serve the artichoke. The artichoke can be served whole, with a dipping sauce such as mayonnaise or butter, or it can be used as an ingredient in other dishes, such as salads or pasta.