Look for artichokes that are hard through, with the petals tight together. It’s OK if the petals have begun to open, but you do not want the base of the artichoke to be soft.
Cut 1″ off the top of the artichoke. This removes the sharp points.
Trim the stalk to within 1″ of the base of the artichoke.
Peel the outer layer from the stalk.
Rinse under cold water, spreading the petals so that the water can run into the flower.
Place base-down in a pot. If necessary, use a coffee cup in the center to keep the artichokes from flopping over.
Add sufficient water to cover the stem.
Add peppercorns to the water.
Cover the tops of the flowers with chopped garlic.
Drizzle olive oil over all.
Cover.
Bring water to a boil, then simmer until the petals pull freely from the artichoke and are to taste, approximately 45 mins. to an hour.
— Concetta Visioni Clorofilla.