Broccoli Yuletide Trees
Holiday meals, homemade from the heart, are memorable. All the best china is out, and there’s a spread of food fit for nobility. When you’re looking for something a little different to add to your menu, Broccoli Yuletide Trees are a great option with visual appeal. Look at broccoli florets. They already look like tiny trees. Add to that parmesan “snow,” and you have a celebratory theme developing. Just take care when you shop for broccoli you buy heads with bright coloration and firm stems. While many people will reach for the green variety, you could add purple for a festive flair.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli (or two small heads - green and purple)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt & pepper
- Shredded parmesan cheese**
** You can use other cheeses for this dish, including cheddar, mozzarella, Colby jack, or fontina.
Instructions
- Rinse the broccoli
- Carefully cut the florets off (avoid breakage)
- Steam the broccoli for 10 minutes until fork tender
- During the time the broccoli cooks, create your cheese sauce.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add garlic, stirring slightly until it becomes aromatic
- Add the flour and whisk. This creates a paste
- Slowly add your milk or cream, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, and a cup or two of parmesan cheese (depending on how cheesy you want it).
- Remove from the heat once the cheese is well-integrated.
- Pour the sauce into a serving bowl.
- Stand the florets in it, and dust them with a little powdered parmesan.
- Serve while hot.