Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

This meal went from my google reader screen to my dinner table in about 25 minutes. That is my kind of meal! I was struck with a bad case of bakers block (inability to decide what to bake/cook for a meal) so I turned to the Internet to “inspire” me. This dish was made with ingredients I knew I had on hand and it looked good….So, I made it.

I had never had roasted broccoli before so I wasn’t sure if it was intended to be cooked from frozen or fresh-so I went ½ way and partially thawed the broccoli in the microwave before putting it in the oven to roast. While the broccoli was roasting I made the cheese sauce and fried up some spiral ham slices. When it was all done I called the family in for dinner, got everyone settled with their food and just before I was about to put a bite in my mouth, Boy initiates the following conversation.

“Are you going to style this?” He innocently inquired. 

“Nope. It’s late I’m going to eat this.” I quickly quibbled back.

“Are you sure?” he, asked.

“YOP! Pretty darn.” I responded

“Why aren’t you going to plate this?”

“Because I don’t want to. I want to enjoy a hot dinner with the family tonight.” I retorted as my meal began to cool and I observed the kids licking up the last bites from their bowls. 

“I think you should plate this. I mean it’s all here and ready.” Said Boy resolutely.

“I don’t have anything to style it with.” I responded. “I haven’t put a single thought into styling this dish.”

“I think as a general rule, you should plate everything you make. You never know when you are going to need a picture in a hurry so it’s better to be prepared.”

             

- Fine -

Day’s like today, when my culinary plans have been foiled. (Teacher appreciation treats will be delivered a week late.) I’m grateful for Boy. For without his wisdom and insight, I’d be up a creek without a post, I mean a paddle, today.  

    

     

Roasted Broccoli & Cheese Sauce

with fried ham

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Ingredients:

ROASTED BROCCOLI

4 cups broccoli florets (thawed)

1 tsp kosher salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

CHEESE SAUCE

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons flour
 (I used whole wheat)

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder


1/4 teaspoon garlic powder


1/4 teaspoon onion powder


salt and pepper


2 cups milk


2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (I used extra sharp)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss broccoli florets, olive oil, and salt together. Spread in a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, or just until color is vibrant.
2. Melt butter in skillet, and whisk in flour. Add spices. Whisk well and cook for 2 – 3 minutes while constantly whisking. Add milk and bring to a boil while whisking. After it boils, let it thicken and then turn burner off. Add cheese and whisk in to melt, remove from burner and don’t bring to a boil again because it may separate.
3. Spoon over broccoli before serving.

Source: Angie McGowan at blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen

Gwenevere