Grilled Artichokes with Creamy Butter Dip

By SMSchreiber

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes, abut 3 pounds
• 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Prepare the artichokes: Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon half into it. Remove the stems from the artichokes, cut the pointy tips off the outer leaves, and cut 3/4 inch off the top. Rub all cut areas with the remaining lemon half. As you work, place each trimmed artichoke into the bowl of lemon water until ready to steam.
2. Steam the artichokes: Drain the artichokes and place, stem side up, in a steamer basket over about 1 inch of boiling water and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender -- about 30 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
3. Grill the artichokes: Heat the grill to medium. Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the inner pink leaves and the fuzzy choke. Toss the cleaned artichokes with the oil, salt, and pepper and grill until golden -- 4 to 6 minutes on each side. Stir the remaining lemon juice, butter, mayonnaise, and red pepper together and serve as an accompanying dip