Broccoli with Lemon Garlic Aioli

  After a while, I admit it, vegetables can get a little boring.  Especially when it comes to kids. They get bored real fast!  So, I am always looking for ways to change things up a bit. Now that Lucca, our oldest, has received treatment for PANDAS and is on the road to recovery he is much better at eating. There was a time when he barely ate and couldn't sit still long enough to eat.  He has come a long way and has gotten really good with veggies and will typically try anything. It's great and I love it! Kaine, our youngest, on the other hand changes his mind on what veggies he likes and when he likes it.  He is pretty indecisive and is pretty stubborn to the point that he can do the gag reflex on command.  If he has it in his mind that it is gross, the minute it enters his mouth he will start gagging.  It sucks and I do NOT love it.  The only thing Kaine will consistently eat is cucumbers.  The kid freaking loves cucumbers! 

  Kaine always gets cucumbers for lunch. I know it won't be an issue at school, so that's what he gets. But dinner is a constant guessing game of "Will Kaine eat this tonight?". Broccoli is normally a pretty safe veggie and Kaine will typically eat his "green trees", but it's not always a given. The other night, I decided I would add a sauce to the side of the broccoli and it turned out to be a big hit with both boys. SCORE! Mommy-3, Kaine-4, at least for this week.  In fact, both boys asked for more broccoli with the sauce on top.  I immediately thought to myself....I have got to write this one down!  

  Of course I used what was on hand, which was dried parsley.  But hey, if you don't like parsley, use dried or fresh chives. Or use dried or fresh dill.  Any of these would taste great.  You could also eliminate it all together.  I quickly broiled the broccoli but this would be great on grilled or steamed broccoli too.  Hell, if you don't like broccoli, try asparagus. Basically feel free to change it up to suit your taste buds. None of this is set in stone.  Cooking is about making stuff you like.  Or in my case...trying to find stuff my kids will eat!

Now go eat your veggies!!

  

Broccoli with Lemon Garlic Aioli

Serves:Makes about 4 TBSP

Prep Time:5 minutes

Cook Time:5 minutes

Total Time:10 minutes

Ingredients:

• couple bunches of broccoli, trimmed and stalks peeled
• 1/4-1/2 tsp of olive oil
• 4 TBSP Amazing Mayo
• 2 3/4 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, pressed or finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley, dill or chives (your choice)

Instructions:

1. Combine last 5 ingredients (not broccoli and olive oil) in small bowl and set aside. 
2. Cut broccoli into "little trees" and peel the hard layer off the stalks.
3. Massage a little olive oil on each piece of broccoli and place on broiler safe pan (I use parchment paper for easy clean up, but be careful it can catch on fire if there are loose edges). You just want a thin layer of oil on the broccoli to prevent it from drying out.
4. Place under med/high heat broiler for about 2-3 minutes.  Flip and return to broiler for additional 2-3 minutes.  We like a little crunch to the broccoli.  Basically, just long enough to soften a little bit and get a little char on the outside.
5. Once broccoli is cooked to your liking, place on a plate or bowl and top with a little sauce.