Bounty of Broccoli

Here is our little broccoli "baby" springing forth from the cluster of leaves (isn't it cute?)…

Thought I would share how easy broccoli was to grow! It is an excellent addition to your autumn garden as it can handle the cold (just keep a plastic cover over it if expecting a deadly frost). We planted some for the first time this year and are very pleased with the results… It was so simple! We placed the seeds directly into the soil and sprinkled the earth with a shower of water every day in order to keep the soil damp. Within a few weeks, we had little seedlings and then tiny flowers...

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, has anti-cancer properties, and is beneficial for prevention of heart disease.

Serving Suggestions:

• Steam broccoli and add some butter to it (Or sprinkle some cheese on top for an extra tasty treat!)
• Add into a pasta salad after you give it a quick dunk in boiling water to blanch it first
• Serve with ranch and other dippy vegetables
• Add some into a stir fry
• Add it into a hot pasta dish (Here is a recipe that we liked that I alter by using less pasta and more broccoli)
• Make some cream of broccoli soup

Of course, any extra broccoli from the garden can be blanched and stored in the freezer for future use. This is such a frugal (when you grow your own), fresh and fun food to prepare for your family. Do you have any good recipes you recommend for these green flowers of the garden?