Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Artichokes in the Oven:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

• 2 large artichokes

• Olive oil

• Lemon (cut in half)

• Garlic cloves (optional)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Fresh herbs (optional, like thyme or rosemary)

• Aluminum foil

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

3. Prepare the Artichokes:

• Start by trimming the artichokes:Cut off the top 1 inch of the artichoke to remove the sharp tips.
  Trim the stem, leaving about 1 inch, and peel the tough outer layer of the stem.
  Use kitchen scissors to snip off the sharp tips of the outer leaves.
  

• Rub the cut parts with a lemon half to prevent browning.

4. Cut the Artichokes in Half:

• Carefully cut the artichokes in half, lengthwise, from the stem to the top.

• Once halved, you’ll see the fuzzy choke in the center. Use a spoon to scrape out the fuzzy choke and any small purple leaves.

5. Season the Artichokes:

• Drizzle each artichoke half with olive oil, making sure to get some between the leaves.

• Squeeze lemon juice over the artichokes for flavor and to prevent browning.

• Season the artichokes with salt, pepper, and minced garlic if desired. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

6. Wrap in Aluminum Foil:

• Place each artichoke half cut side up on a sheet of aluminum foil.

• Wrap each artichoke half tightly in foil, creating a sealed packet to lock in moisture and steam the artichokes as they bake.

7. Bake the Artichokes:

• Place the wrapped artichokes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the artichokes.

• They are done when a knife or fork easily pierces the base of the artichoke, and the leaves pull off easily.

8. Serve the Artichokes:

• Carefully unwrap the foil packets and transfer the artichokes to a serving dish.

• Serve the artichokes with melted butter, a dipping sauce like aioli, or a simple vinaigrette.

Tips:

• How to Eat: Pull off each leaf, dip it into your preferred sauce, and scrape the tender flesh with your teeth. Once you get to the heart (after removing the leaves), you can eat it whole.

• Optional Toppings: Add Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

• Add Aromatics: You can place sliced garlic or lemon slices inside the foil packet for extra flavor.