Broccoli with Toasted Garlic

     One thing I learned while on the Daniel Fast was several new ways to cook vegetables. Ellie Krieger has some great recipes and this is one I will use again and again.  This is especially good for those of you who want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, but are bored and even unsure of how to jazz them up to make them more appealing.

Broccoli with Toasted Garlic

1 bunch broccoli (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cut the broccoli into spears and put into a large microwave-safe bowl with the water.  Cover tightly and microwave on high for 4 minutes. (This can also be done by blanching or steaming the broccoli on the stove, which is what we chose to do).
While the broccoli is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic.  Cook the garlic, stirring frequently, until it is golden, about 3 minutes.  Be sure not to overcook the garlic or it will become bitter.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic to a small dish.
Remove the bowl of broccoli from the microwave, carefully uncover it, and drain it in a colander, shaking off excess water.  Transfer the broccoli to the skillet with the oil and cook over medium heat, stirring a few times, for 3 minutes.  Sprinkle with the toasted garlic, season with salt and pepper and enjoy!
Serves: 4

Cooking firm vegetables like broccoli briefly before sauteing or stir-frying them enhances their taste and texture.

Broccoli-- is an excellent source of vitamin C and folate as well as calcium, vitamins A and E and fiber.  A fresh cooked broccoli spear contains as much as 5 grams of fiber and more than half the RDA for folate and vitamins A and C.

Garlic-- comes close to being a wonder drug.  It has been used medicinally for over 5,000 years in almost every culture!  It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory!  It can be used to assist in infections, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, colds and flu, and ear infections.  So, quit worrying about bad breath and include it into your meals as much as possible!