How to Steam Broccoli

Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables so I keep it around steamed so I can easily use it in a variety of dishes.

To easily steam broccoli, wash and pat dry with clean dish towels or paper towels.

Cut off the thick stem until the top florets look like trees.

Add to a steamer and steam until starting to get tender.

Quickly remove from pot so cooking doesn't continue.

Store in covered containers in refrigerator until you need to use it.

Do you have a favorite way to steam broccoli?

Charlotte

Pansies Salad Garnish

Pansies are more than just something pretty to enjoy in a pot.

Late winter, when grocery store tomatoes have little flavor, be creative with salad garnish. Miniature or regular pansies, high in vitamin C, are not only beautiful but delicious.

After picking, wash thoroughly with a vegetable wash to remove any chemicals. Pat dry gently with a clean dish towel.

If you can, use only pansies you've raised yourself so you know the flowers haven't been treated with chemicals. In most growing zones, pansies are perennials and should come back every year with the proper growing conditions.

Charlotte