Roasted Broccoli and Make-Do Teriyaki Sauce

I realized that I forgot to inform you that some times (not all) I don't exactly use measurements...  You're going to have to trust your head and your tongue on some of the recipes you try from this here blog.  I PROMISE that's the best way to learn how to cook.  Well, it was for me at least.  It forced me to pay attention to everything I was doing and what I enjoyed and definitely did not. 

Another thing to remember, I was inspired to start this blog by the hopelessly deprived/depraved young men in my area, so if you're an experienced cook, some of the things I say may be blatantly or even annoyingly obvious.
  
Roasted Broccoli Ingredients: 

• Broccoli
• Fresh Garlic, minced (cut up in little tiny pieces)
• Olive Oil
• Onion Salt, Table Salt, Garlic Salt, Pepper, or any other seasoning you want to use.  Maybe not Celery Salt...

You can either do this in a pan on the stove or in the oven.  In the pictures, you'll see I did it in my toaster oven, and it worked perfectly.

1. Cut broccoli into small florets, they roast and burn faster the smaller they are. 

I froze the stalks to make vegetable stock later, I HATE food waste!

 2.  Place florets in a bowl big enough to comfortably mix with garlic, oil and seasonings and mix thoroughly, coating each piece well.

The more garlic the better, I always say.

 3.  Spread the broccoli evenly across an oiled cookie sheet or frying pan. 

4.  Roast on high heat or at about 400 F degrees until browned.  Turn and do the same for the other side.

Mmmm...  Burned stuff.  Bring on the carcinogens!

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients: 

• 1/8 cup Soy Sauce (I didn't have Soy Sauce, and it still turned out great.  Different, but great)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 1/2 tsp. fresh, grated Ginger (YUM! It's that ugly, gnarly root by the Asian produce...  Google it)
• 1/2 tsp. fresh, minces Garlic
• 1 1/2 TBSP. Brown Sugar
• 1 TBSP. Cornstarch (flour might work as well, it helps to thicken the sauce)
• 1 TBSP. Cold Water

1. Combine the first five ingredients in a sauce pan and stir it constantly until it boils.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1 TBSP. cold water until the cornstarch is dissolved.  
3. Add cornstarch liquid into sauce pan and continue to boil while sauce thickens.

It's important to stir it as often as possible.  Have the cornstarch and water already measured out so you can dump it, stir it quickly then get back to stirring the sauce.  If you cook down the sauce too much, you can just add water until you get the consistency you want.

I sprinkled the broccoli with almond slices and dug in...  Did I mention I strongly dislike broccoli?  Did I mention, also, that this was REALLY GOOD?  Smother anything in garlic and ginger, and it might be good.  In this case, that's definitely true!

What are your favorite "cover-up" methods?  What do you do to cover up those flavors you don't like?


Happy Eating! 

Apologies

I am not good about blogging...  Any free time that I have I spend cooking, reading and doing LOTS of homework.  This college chick is having a rough time being motivated.  What should I do, guys?  If you're honestly interested in this blog and that you want recipes, tips, etc.  I won't give up.  Not yet at least.  ;)  Please forgive me for being neglectful.  I PROMISE I'll work on it!  I'll post a few of my latest and greatest by Sunday.

The Bounties of Bountiful Baskets

Have you heard of Bountiful Baskets?  If not, I have some fabulous information for you!  Take a look at this...

That lettuce is sitting at the bottom of the 18-gallon bin and stands up more than 2/3 of the way...

This was today's haul.  It's always 50% fruit 50% vegetables and their facebook page often gives recipes including ingredients found in each weeks baskets.  You don't know what you're going to get, but there are specialty packs that are more definite when available, like their Asian Pack, Italian Pack or bulk fruits like 20-lb. boxes of peaches and tomatoes.  They even have cookie packs that include frosting and sprinkles and bread packs (I love the bread!).   I order mine at http://bountifulbaskets.org/ and this particular co-op (yes, Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op) has many locations in the following states: AZ, CO, GA, ID, KS, KY, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA and WY.  If your state isn't listed or there isn't a pick-up location close to you you can go to the site and start your own site where you and others in your area can participate, or search the web to see if there is a Bountiful Basket or Food Co-op near you!

Everything all laid out.  Isn't it glorious?

• 5 Bosc pears 
• 5 kiwis
• 2 pomegranates
• 4 oranges
• 9 bananas (2 might possibly be plantains, I'll see in a few days if they stay green)
• 3 lb. bag of WA Fuji apples
• 5 ears of corn
• 1 lb. of brussel sprouts
• 6 tomatoes
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 head of broccoli
• 1 HUMONGOUS head of red-leaf lettuce.  

That's the lettuce next to a LARGE slicing tomato

I could make a salad for the population of starving college students with one head!

Maybe I can guess what you're thinking...  "I can get all that at my grocery store, why should I buy from Bountiful Baskets?"  I'll tell you why!  After I picked up my basket today, I went to two of the local grocery stores, one was Walmart and the other Lee's.  I weighed and priced the same produce at both stores-- unfortunately neither had pomegranates ears of corn, or brussel sprouts and Walmart didn't have kiwis, so I improvised with some standard/recent pricing. I priced the pomegranates at $1.50 ea. even though I'm sure they'd be more in my area, put Walmart's kiwi price at $0.40 ea. which is the same at Lee's, the corn at $1.00 per ear (keep in mind, it's not in season, hence the high price) and the brussel sprouts at $3.29  per pound sourced from a lovely friend who buys them frequently.  So, the numbers...  Here they are (this is without tax added).

Walmart Total: $29.92
Lee's Total: $28.85

Seems pretty standard, right?  That's a LOT of produce at fair and competitive prices.  Why Bountiful Baskets you asked?  Here's why...

Sixteen-fifty.

Yup!  $16.50.  After taxes.  OH THE FRUGALITY! 

Thank Heaven for BB, ya'll!  Start doing it.  If you're a student or even a young couple/small family, you could easily split the price and bounty in half or more and get a week's worth of healthy fruits and veggies.

So there you go!

Have a happy day!

Welcome!

Thanks for taking interest in my guilty pleasure blog!  I love being homey and domestic, it's such a wonderful thing.  And to the gentlemen out there, please don't feel as though it's solely a woman's role.  If you enjoy time creating things in the kitchen--I don't mean carpentry-- good on ya!  There are plenty of ladies that will appreciate that and find it very attractive.  I KNOW I'm not speaking only for myself.  Gals, if you're here because you're seeking new ways to improve your diet and lifestyle, I'm doing it with you.  So get your equipment and appliances ready, people.  Together we're going to make some dang good, (mostly) healthy food and share great tips for healthy and happy living.