4.29.2010

Gratefulness and Roasted Broccoli with Toasted Parmesan

Hello, dear folks. :-) I'm so sleepy that I'm quite terrified to write anything here lest it turn out to be complete gibberish! :-)

It's been an intense week but a good one, much heartache in the beginning but now I'm basking in the glow of unexpected, but most welcome, resolution and peace. I'm gonna sleep like a rock tonight. :-)

Until then, I'm mulling over little things that have brought me joy lately:

My "nest" I made on this oh-so-rickety bench outside my door.


This gorgeous view from the bench!! How I love to lay here and look up at the trees, watching the setting sun turn everything all glowy and wonderful. :-) 


My hardy lavender plant that has somehow survived moving, pot breaking, drowning, and my utter lack of a green thumb. :-) 


I'm also grateful for roasted broccoli topped with toasted Parmesan cheese. I usually make a big batch, fully intending to eek it out over several days, but I never manage it. It's just too yummy! Especially all those toasty, salty, scrumptious bits of cheese that stick to the pan. :-)


What "little things" are making you happy this week?

Roasted Broccoli with Toasted Parmesan

Ingredients:

1 large head broccoli, washed and cut into florets
olive oil
good salt and freshly ground pepper
4-6 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (pre-grated won't melt properly)

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
  2. Toss broccoli liberally with glugs of olive oil, salt and pepper. 
  3. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tips begin to brown. 
  4. Remove from oven and nestle broccoli close together. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to oven. Roast for another 5-10 minutes until Parmesan is browned and toasted.

30 comments:

  1. You live in a lovely place!!! That view from your bench is amazing!!! I wish I could have a view like this!!! :)

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  2. Your little nest looks perfectly cozy. I'm happy to hear that the week ened on a happier note for you, given the view and the roasted broccoli, I can see why. :) A lavender plant in a tea pot, Love it!

    One of the little things which always brings a smile to my face is my cat, Niles. He comes up to me when I'm sad and puts his chubby little paw on my arm. Rubbing him under his chin always puts me in a better mood. ♥

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  3. The broccoli kinda reminds me of my mom's favorite way to make broccoli. You cook brocolli, toss it in browned butter, and add mizithra or ricotta de salata cheese. If you're me, you then toss the whole mixture with pasta.(Not very close, but oh well). I'm sure she would love your roasted broccoli. I hope it works with baby broccoli since that is all we have.

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  4. That broccoli looks so amazing, I can't believe I've never thought of making it that way!

    What little things make me happy this week? A bottle of spicy Tempranillo after work, accompanied by crusty bread, marinated olives, and a delicious selection of cheeses!

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  5. I sure do, Zizi! I feel hugely grateful for all the natural gorgeousness around me. :-)

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  6. Me too, Valerie. :-) Sometimes situations seem utterly hopeless and then a ray of light springs out where you least expect it. :-)

    I love your story of your cat. :-) One day I hope to have my own pet, something to cuddle, go on walks with and find comfort it. I'm glad you have your Niles. :-)

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  7. Oh Deanna, that sounds fantastic!!! I think I had something like that in an Italian restaurant one time and oooo, I loved it! I shall have to try it myself one day soon. :-)

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  8. Thanks, Jon! I just thought of it myself awhile back and oh, I love it! :-)

    Your happy things sound AMAZING! Though I have no clue what spicy Tempranillo is, so you'll have to enlighten me. :-)

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  9. Glad your week has brightened up; your bench-nest and the view from it are lovely! The roasted broccoli looks delicious too. Sometimes I roast it with lemon zest and pine nuts; next time I will try it with parmesan.

    I'm happy to see the sun again today, after a few rainy and chilly days, and that rhubarb has finally arrived at the greenmarket.

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  10. Hi
    First time here . I'm drooling over the roasted broccoli . It looks so yummy !!!

    Smita
    http://littlefoodjunction.blogspot.com/

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  11. Thank you so much, Nancy. :-) Ohh, lemon zest and pine nuts sound fabulous too!! :-)

    I'm so glad you have sunshine AND rhubarb! Those are very happy things indeed. :-)

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  12. Oh thank you, Smita! I'm so glad you came. :-)

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  13. This broccoli would definitely make me happy! especially the oozy bits of cheese. Hopefully the rest of your week is a bit more restful than the beginning!

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  14. Mmm, it's so yummy, Joanne! :-) It's a lovely new day and I have some grand things to look forward to. :-)

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  15. You are feathering you nest quite nicely. I love the bench and your view. I also love that broccoli. I've never roasted it! The time has come :-). Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  16. Aw, thanks, Mary! :-) I'm glad you like them! I just started roasted broccoli last year and it quickly became a favorite. :-) Hope you enjoy it!

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  17. ok making me hungry over here!

    i appreciated your comment about the white strawberries. have to agree with you. when i'm not wrapping them in some aura of being exotic they do just look a little sad and anemic!

    but a stunning visual. i had to post it.

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  18. They are very stunning, Paradis! I'm so glad you posted it. :-) It's so unusual and unique. :-)

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  19. Hi there! I think your roasted broccoli could definitely make me happy this weekend! Sounds yummy!
    Love your blog AND your pictures!
    and thanks for stopping by at mine :))
    Happy weeekend
    Flaviana

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  20. I bought broccoli this week...and this is how I will cook it. Sounds wonderful and much nicer than boring old steamed.

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  21. Oh am I all over that recipe! Sounds just fabulous.

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  22. I'm so glad you came by, Flaviana! Your blog is absolutely delicious with so many glorious pictures to delight my heart. :-)

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  23. Oh, that's great, Barbara! I hope you love it. :-)

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  24. It sure is, Duchess!! Makes me smile just thinking about it. :-)

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  25. Mmm looks delish and what a cozy spot you found for yourself.
    xxx DJ

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  26. Thank you, DJ! :-) It is a lovely little spot. :-)

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  27. I love roasted vegetables but never thought to add parmesan cheese. A must try!

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  28. Oh yes, Michelle! The cheese makes all the difference in the world. :-)

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  29. That looks a very tasty to serve broccoli. My cheese scones have been making me happy this week!

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  30. It really is, Sarah. :-) I'm having it again for lunch today and I can't wait. Oooo, cheese scones sound FANTASTIC!! :-)

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