A bag full of fresh broccoli is seen in the author’s kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2020. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

A bag full of fresh broccoli is seen in the author’s kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2020. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Kalifornsky Kitchen: A tote bag of broccoli

The broccoli had this perfect crunchy texture that paired really well with the gooey melted cheese.

  • By Victoria Petersen For the Peninsula Clarion
  • Tuesday, August 4, 2020 9:39pm
  • LifeFood and Drink

By Victoria Peterson

Special to the Peninsula Clarion

If you’ve been getting your produce from farmers markets or a local farm, you may notice that broccoli is fresh and in season right now.

My boyfriend went to U-Pick at a farm in the Valley this week and brought home a tote bag full of broccoli. After trying to figure out how to eat them, we opted for the classic roasted florets with cheese melted on top.

The broccoli had this perfect crunchy texture that paired really well with the gooey melted cheese. A pinch of salt and red pepper flakes brings slight heat to the whole thing.

Cheesy broccoli is usually a side dish, but it was truly all we wanted to eat for dinner. So, in an effort to make a meal, we used a can of salmon and heated it all up on a pan in the oven. It was so good. I’m thinking of all the ways I want to roast broccoli this week, we have enough of it to try anything.

Roast broccoli

All the broccoli your heart desires.

Enough oil to lightly coat your broccoli

Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

In a bowl mix up the oil and the broccoli and the salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Place the broccoli florets on a baking sheet, giving some space between the veggies.

Roast for 20 minutes, or until you see some browning and color on the florets.

Enjoy with melted cheese and salmon, or whatever you need to use up in your fridge.

More in Life

Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Holiday magic, pre-planned

Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking

tease
Off the shelf: Speculative novel holds promise of respite

“A Psalm for the Wild-Built” is part of the Homer Public Library’s 2024 Lit Lineup

The cast of Seward High School Theatre Collective’s “Clue” rehearse at Seward High School in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward’s ‘Clue’ brings comedy, commentary to stage

The show premiered last weekend, but will play three more times, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15-17

The cast of “Annie” rehearse at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Central hits the big stage with ‘Annie’

The production features actors from Kenai Central and Kenai Middle School

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in “We Live in Time.” (Promotional photo courtesy A24)
On the Screen: Pugh, Garfield bring life to love story

“We Live in Time” explores legacy, connection and grief through the pair’s relationship

Mary Nissen speaks at the first Kenai Peninsula history conference held at Kenai Central High School on Nov. 7-8, 1974, in Kenai, Alaska. Photo provided by Shana Loshbaugh
Remembering the Kenai Peninsula’s 1st history conference — Part 2

The 1974 event inspired the second Kenai Peninsula history conference, held in April, 2017

This slow-simmered ox tail broth makes this otherwise simple borscht recipe quite luxurious. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Borscht from the source

This homestyle stew recipe draws on experience of Russian cook

In 1954, David Nutter (right) and his younger half-brother Frank Gwartney were ready for their first day of school in Sitka. (Photo courtesy of the Nutter Family Collection)
Finding Mister Nutter — Part 6

Chasing down the facts about Warren Nutter was never going to be simple

Photo provided by Shana Loshbaugh
Dena’ina writer, translator and ethnographer Peter Kalifornsky speaks at the first Kenai Peninsula history conference held at Kenai Central High School on Nov. 7-8, 1974.
Remembering the Kenai Peninsula’s 1st history conference — Part 1

Kenai Peninsula history gathering 50 years ago remains relevant and rousing

File
Minister’s Message: My upstairs or your upstairs?

The question challenges us to consider our own eternal destination and relationship with Jesus

tease
Anticipating candy-coated revelry

These popcorn balls, done three ways, are a classic Halloween treat

This photograph shows hunter/trapper Warren Melville Nutter near the lake at the foot of what was almost certainly Skilak Glacier, circa late 1930s. (Photo courtesy of the Nutter Family Collection)
Finding Mister Nutter — Part 5

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Warren Melville Nutter spent the final 32 years of his… Continue reading