Broccoli

Par-boiled: 
(use anytime you are going to use “raw” broccoli in a salad or dipping tray)

Fill pan half full with water. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, rinse broccoli. Remove broccoli stalk by cutting just below head. Discard or peel to use. Slice broccoli florets into bite sized pieces. Boil in water for five minutes. Remove from water immediately and immerse in cold water to stop cooking. Drain to dry. 

Stir-fried:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or dipping oil (see asparagus) to skillet. Heat to medium high heat. Stir fry par-boiled broccoli until tender crisp, about 7 minutes. Salt to taste or season with ½ teaspoon or so of Better than Bouillon – beef or chicken flavor.

Quick Salad:
1 head of pre-cut and par-boiled broccoli
4 slices of cooked turkey bacon, crisp and crumbled
1/3 cup raisins
Green onions and cashews to taste (optional)
Serve with favorite low-fat creamy dressing

Blue Cheese Slaw:
4 oz. Blue cheese
Milk
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Prepared Broccoli Slaw mix found in produce section.

Add blue cheese in small bowl. Slowly drizzle a teaspoon or so of milk on blue cheese. Mix together with fork. Should be pasty consistency. Add a teaspoon or so of rice vinegar and a couple of pinches of sugar. When mixed, add broccoli slaw and mix well. Let season in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. 

Roasted:
Remove broccoli stalk by cutting just below head. Discard or peel to use. Slice broccoli florets into bite sized pieces. Add pieces to a large bowl. Drizzle with plain or flavored olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring once to turn. Serve immediately. 

Parmesan Roasted:  
My daughter Hannah suggests squeezing a lime over the roasted broccoli as you take it out of the oven the last time. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Broil for a couple of minutes until cheese is melted. Serve immediately. 

Nutty Roasted: 
Follow directions above for roasted broccoli. Before baking,  add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to raw broccoli before roasting. May even add a handful of raisins when you stir it halfway through. Serve immediately. 

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