I had never even tasted an artichoke till a few years ago when my best friend got me to try steaming them. He likes them dipped in melted butter (which is put in a dipping bowl), so I made them that way. You sure have to work to get a little bit of vegetable with those! I have to wait till they are on sale due to their price. They're fun for a change of pace when they're in season.
Eleanor, you've eaten them the same way as I have, except for the dipping bowl (for the butter).
While my daughter was here last month, artichokes were $1.99 each but I bought one for everyone. Even the little guy (3 years old) likes artichokes. :)