First, buy yourself a couple of artichokes- I can usually eat two happily so for two people, buy four good sized ones. I personally prefer the spiny, weapon-like artichokes. They tend to be more "meaty" than the cuter looking ones with the curved bits. I know they look intimidating but all you do is cut them more or less in half (in the sense that you are cutting off the pointy tips, go down about an inch and a half from the median tip length) and peel away any of the smaller "leaves" that still have a tip on it around the outside. You'll want to chop the stem so that only about half-an-inch remains as well. Soak these in lemon water for about 15 minutes and then throw them in a pot with cold water. Bring to boil and let them boil at least 30 minutes. They are ready when you poke them with a fork and some of the leaves start falling off easily and without any effort on your part. Drain the water away, arrange on a plate, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Serve and eat steaming!