Broccoli is such a wonderful, good-for-you vegetable—and it is available year-round! When grocery shopping, look for a head of broccoli with a tight, firm flower. Steaming broccoli will give it vibrant color as well as help it to retain its nutrients and all of its wonderful flavor. It is especially good when topped with this easy cheese topping.
For 8 Servings:
- 2 pounds fresh broccoli
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Pinch of salt
Prepare the Broccoli:
FIRST, trim about 3 to 4 inches of the heavy stalk from the bottom of each broccoli flower with a sharp paring knife; then split each stalk lengthwise through its stem into 3 or 4 pieces. Avoid cutting through the small tender buds when possible; keeping the florets whole and the large stems thin will help the broccoli cook evenly.
SECOND, place the broccoli in a shallow saucepan—make sure it is large enough that there are no more than two layers of broccoli. Pour in just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan by ½ inch. Season with the butter and a pinch of salt.
THIRD, bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat. Place a tight-fitting lid over the pan and steam the broccoli until just tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
Topping:
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 3-ounce package cream cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 4 to 5 drops Tabasco sauce
Prepare the Topping:
FIRST, use a sharp paring knife to dice the American cheese and cube the cream cheese; combine with the grated cheddar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add in the milk and a few of drops of Tabasco sauce. Blend until it becomes a smooth sauce, 2 to 3 minutes. (Note: The topping can then be transferred to a glass dish, sealed with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 2 days; return to room temperature before heating.)
SECOND, melt the cheese topping in the microwave for about 30 seconds; or melt over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve the Broccoli:
Drain the liquid from the saucepan and arrange the steamed broccoli in a serving bowl; pour the melted cheese sauce over and serve immediately.
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