One of my favorite foods in the world is grilled artichoke hearts.

If you have never cooked with them before they can be pretty intimating but I am hoping that by the end of this post you will give them a try.

So many people don’t know how to cook them so when we cook them for friends they give us way too much credit for being the most amazing hosts in history.

Maybe they just had a few too many of my really killer margaritas:-)

The lesson here is to fool your friends into thinking you are amazing by feeding them grilled artichoke hearts and garlic aioli sauce.

I am so hungry now just typing this.

Let’s get on with it and master the artichoke!

1. Cut off the tips of the artichoke.  This allows you to steam them and place them face down in the steamer.

2. Cut up a few lemons to throw in with the water you will use to steam the artichokes.

3. Place 3-4 cups of water in a large pot and add the 2 sliced lemons.  Bring to a boil. Once the water is at a boil place your steamer basket in the pot.  Place your artichokes face down in the steamer, close the lid and let steam for 20-25 minutes (I go the full 25 minutes. I like them really tender).

4. Once they have steamed bring them out, cut them length wise and scoop out the fuzzy part which is called the choke.

5. Place all of the artichoke halves on a baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

6. Have your grill heated (medium heat) and place your artichoke halves face down onto the grill.  Grill for 10 minutes checking to make sure you don’t burn them.

7.  Turn the artichokes over and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (just a little) and continue to grill for another 5 minutes with the lid closed.

8. Time to dig in!  We like our grilled artichokes with garlic aioli.  I have made it from scratch and also made it from mayonnaise and we love it both ways. 

Garlic Aioli {the easier version}

1 cup mayo (we use Earth Balance egg/dairy/soy free so everyone in the family can enjoy it)

4 garlic cloves minced

salt and pepper

Stir it all up, chill and it will be ready when your artichokes come off the grill.

Go wow your friends and it never hurts to serve margaritas with them:-)

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