Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  4                     Extra-large artichokes
  2               cups  Concentrated lemon juice
  1         tablespoon  Salt
  1               dash  Black pepper
  1               dash  Dried oregano
  1               dash  Crushed red pepper flakes
                        VINAIGRETTE
  1                cup  Olive oil
     1/2           cup  White wine vinegar
  3                     Garlic cloves
                        peeled and crushed
  1               dash  Dried oregano
  1               dash  Crushed red pepper flakes
  1         tablespoon  Capers
  2        tablespoons  Chopped pimiento
                        Salt -- pepper

Preparation:

Trim artichokes stems to 1/2 inch. Place upright in large kettle and add enough water to cover. Add lemon juice, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer about 1 hour or until leaves pull easily from base of artichokes. Remove from pan and invert artichokes to drain thoroughly and cool. Using spoon, remove chokes and discard. To make vinaigrette, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, capers and pimiento in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Blend well. Stand artichokes upright in serving dish.

Nutritional Information:

486 Calories (kcal); 54g Total Fat; (97% calories from fat); trace Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 1619mg Sodium