1/2    Recipe chili base

           -(See RECIPE)-
      1    Lemon

      4 lg Artichokes

      1 lb Boneless lamb shoulder

           - cut into 1/2-in strips
      2 tb Finely minced garlic

    1/4 c  Fresh lime juice

      1 c  Chicken stock

           -=OR=- Low-sodium broth
           Salt; as desired
    1/2 bn Cilantro leaves; chopped

     12    Corn tortillas

      1 c  Sour cream

  PREPARE OR DEFROST the chili base. Combine water and the juice of 1 lemon
  in a 2-quart pot. Keep the lemon for rubbing the cut surfaces of the
  artichokes as you work. Cut the stems off the artichoke. Trim the tops,
  leaving a base about 1 1/2-inches deep and exposing the center choke. Trim
  all around the sides and bottom to remove the dark green exterior. Place
  bottoms in the water as they are done. When the 4 artichokes are trimmed,
  bring the water to a boil, covered, over high heat and cook for 20 minutes,
  or until bottoms are tender. Remove from heat and remove artichokes from
  the liquid. When cool enough to handle, scoop out center chokes and
  discard. If not using artichokes immediately, replace in cooking liquid and
  keep in refrigerator. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep
  ovenproof skillet over high heat on the stove. Add the lamb and saute,
  stirring, 5 minutes. Reduce the heat, add the artichokes and garlic and
  cook another 5 minutes. Add the chili base, lime juice and stock. Cover and
  place in oven for 1 hour. Taste for salt. Arrange the chili in a covered
  dish, or serve individually in bowls and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
  Serve warm tortillas instead of bread and pass sour cream on the side.