how do you cook artichokes without a steamer?
Bring about 1/2 inch water to a boil in a pan deep enough to hold the artichoke(s) standing up. Add a teaspoon or two of salt (the artichoke will just be sitting it in, not submerged). Set the artichokes in the salted boiling water, cover the pan, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, and cook 20 minutes.