Of all the vegetables that my children will eat at dinner, Broccoli is the one that is pretty much a go and not an argument anymore. The only problem I have now is coming up with different ways to serve them to my kids.  Coming up with different recipes for my children to enjoy these vitamin packed vegetables allows me to try and get creative.

If you feel like you run into this same dilemma let me help you as well.  First, when you buy broccoli make sure to always purchase heads that have firm stalks and tight bright green clusters of buds.  Make sure to refrigerate unwashed broccoli in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer.  Broccoli has the potential to stay fresh for up to five days.

Here are a few different ways you to can eat and serve broccoli.

  
• Broccoli pesto: Purée cooled steamed broccoli with garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and olive oil.  Add this easy pesto to pasta, chicken, or use as a dip or a spread on baguettes.

• Broccoli and chicken casserole: Toss broccoli, chopped up chicken pieces, and whole garlic cloves with olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees F until cooked through, 35 to 45 minutes.

• Broccoli dip: Purée steamed broccoli with sour cream and grated Parmesan. Serve with raw veggies.

• Broccoli salad: Toss cooled steamed broccoli with chickpeas, halved grape tomatoes, crumbled Feta, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

• Broccoli soup: Sauté chopped onion in olive oil. Add broccoli and chicken broth to cover and cook until tender. Purée until smooth.

• Broccoli almondine: Toss steamed broccoli with butter and fresh lemon juice, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top.  

• Broccoli quiche:  Bake a pie shell at 375 degrees F. Then combine milk,  shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour and salt.  Layer steamed broccoli and mushrooms on top of layered cheese on the pie shell.  Pour milk and egg mixture over all. Bake at 375° for 35 to 45 minutes.

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