Boiling water without burning it

This is the artichoke. It is equally useful as a weapon and a food.

Materials:
1 large pot, with or without a lid, for holding boiling water and hapless artichokes.
Tough sharp knife for cutting tough sharp leaves.
Cutting board, for cutting tough sharp leaves with a tough sharp knife.
Kitchen scissors, for forcibly de-spining the sucker.
Fork, for stabbing it to see when it's done.
Tongs or a colander, to separate the artichoke and the boiling water.
Spoon, to scoop spiky bits from heart.
Plate or bowl, to set artichoke on while eating.
Small bowl for butter.
Plate, bowl, or trash receptacle, for the gnawed-on leaves.

Ingredients:
One or more artichokes.
Water.
(optional) Butter.
(optional) Salt.
(optional) Lemon juice or vinegar.


The artichoke is a horrible, spiky, dangerous, vegetable in the thistle family. It has spines, and it's not afraid to use them. It can also be used as a spiked club, if you're stuck in a grocery store fending off zombies. It's also utterly delicious, good with or without scary amounts of tasty, tasty butter. They're incredibly intimidating if you don't know what to do with them, but once you do know, they're just a bit fussy.

( Pick your artichoke. Don't pet it. )