Trim off artichoke stems. With kitchen shears, trim tips of outer leaves. From center leaves, cut off last 1 inch. Rub cut edges with lemon.
Fill large, deep pot with tight-fitting lid with 2 inches of water. Place steamer insert in pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Place artichokes, top down, in insert. Replace lid. Steam 25 minutes, until bases are knife-tender, occasionally checking the water level. Let cool slightly. Serve with sauces. Makes 6 artichokes.
