4 artichokes, fresh
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. bread crumbs, Italian seasoned
4 strips bacon or 1/2 cup chopped ham
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cut stem and first row of leaves from the base of each artichoke. Cut tips off each leaf, approximately 1/2 inch. Invert into 2 quarts water and lemon juice. Soak 10 minutes. Shake out water. Crush artichoke with palm of hand on top of artichoke to loosen leaves. (Do not break the "flowers"). Crisp salt strips of bacon and crush or cut small cubes of ham. Mix bread crumbs, bacon and ham, cheese, salt and pepper. Stuff mixture between each leaf. Place upright in 2 inches of water in sauce pan. Pour oil over artichokes. Cover. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes (add water around artichokes if needed).

To eat: Serve with small bowl for leaf remnants. Base of leaf is most tender. Place between teeth and pull leaf out. Discard tough leaf remnants.