ARTICHOKES AND AIOLI SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large kettle, combine 3 cups water with olive oil, lemon slices, bay leaves, garlic, salt and pepper and bring to a boil Meanwhile, trim stalks from bases of artichokes, cut a 1" slice from tops.
• Remove descolored leaves, snip off the spiky ends.
• Wash the artichokes in cold water and drain.
• Place artichokes in bottom of kettle, standing on base.
• Bring back to boiling, reduce heat and simmer, covered 40-50 minutes, or until artichoke bases feel soft.
• While the artichokes are cooking, Soak bread in milk for 10 minutes; squeeze hard to remove all milk.
• Place bread and garlic in food processor; blend 10 seconds or until mixture forms a paste Add egg yolks, blend until egg mixture is thick, about 10 seconds.
• Add olive oil, 1` Tbs at a time, blending constantly after each addition until thick.
• Continue until all oil has been used.
• Mixture should be thick.
• Add lemon juice, salt and pepper; blend a few seconds more to mix well.
• Refrigerate, tightly covered.
• Drain artichokes well.
• Let cool slightly.
• Using finger, pull out leaves at center.
• With teaspoon, remove hair choke from cavity.
• Serve artichokes, warm or cold with Aioli Sauce in cavity in center.