Cream of Artichoke Soup

1. Squeeze the juice from 3 lemon halves into a large bowl of cold water and add the rinds; keep the remaining lemon half handy. Discard the outer leaves of an artichoke, snapping them off at the base until you reach the pale yellow leaves with darker green tops. Slice off the green tops to reveal the fuzzy choke in the center (if you don't see it on the first cut, cut a little lower until it is visible). With a melon baller or grapefruit spoon, remove the choke. Rub the top of the exposed heart with the lemon half. Using a paring knife, trim any woody or brown part of the stem and then peel the remaining stem. Trim around the base of the artichoke to remove any fibrous green portions. Rub with the lemon half and drop the artichoke heart into the lemon water. Repeat with the remaining artichokes (you should have 12 to 14 ounces of artichoke hearts).

2. Drain the artichoke hearts and transfer to a large pot. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer, cover and cook until the artichokes are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Transfer the artichokes and 3 cups of the hot broth to a blender. Add garlic and blend until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return the mixture to the pot with the remaining hot broth. Add butter and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour to concentrate the flavors.

4. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl; gradually whisk into the soup and cook, stirring, until the soup bubbles and thickens, about 1 minute. Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper; heat through.

To make ahead

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.