Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Trim off the stem ends and leaf tips of the artichokes. Quarter the artichokes cutting lengthwise. Remove the chokes. Set aside.

Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until slightly crisp. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, and rub. Saute the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightlywilted. Add the garlic and parsley and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat. Add the sherry and swish it around in the pan. Add the lemon juice, salt, cayenne, bread crumbs, and parmesan. Mix well.

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Place the artichoke quarters on a baking sheet. Mound a portion of bread crumb mixture on each artichoke quarter. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bread crumb mixture is light brown.

Serve warm, allowing 2 artichoke quarters per person.