This fresh and fast appetizer was a staple in my house growing up. Steam one for yourself or steam a few for a crowd pleasing appetizer. 

Ingredients:

• 1 artichoke
• 1/2 C water
• 2 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• plastic wrap (ex. Saran Wrap or Cling Wrap)

Instructions:

1.  Chop off the stem of the artichoke, so the artichoke can sit flat.
2. Place the artichoke in a microwave safe bowl.
3. Pour 1/2 C water into the bottom of the bowl with the artichoke.
4. Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap to seal in the moisture with the artichoke.
5. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 8-10 minutes to steam the artichoke.  
6. Once the bowl has cooled to the touch, remove the plastic wrap and place steamed artichoke into a serving dish. 
7. Place the 2 1/2 tbsp butter in a microwave safe dish. Heat the butter until it is melted. Remove from the microwave and add 1/4 tsp of garlic salt. Mix the garlic salt into the melted butter. *This is the tasty dip for the artichoke petals*
8. Serve the garlic butter dipping sauce alongside the artichoke (it is helpful to have a place to easily discard the eaten artichoke petals)