Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan

I don’t even like cooked broccoli.  Never have.  I remember my mom steaming it and cauliflower together when I was a kid and the smell would trigger my gag reflex.  I kid not.

But for some reason, and I have no real idea why, when I saw Ina prepare it this way on her show one afternoon, I felt compelled to try it.  It took me about a month to actually gather the nerve to buy a head of broccoli at the store, but if this tells you anything, I’ve been buying it ever since.

See, this is my baby girl’s favorite food.

No, I’m serious.  It really is.  It’s a little crazy how excited she gets when broccoli hits her high chair tray.  (Of course I omit the salt and cheese from her portion, in case you’re questioning my mommy skills, geesh.)  We tried a new technique with her for introducing foods (I read this book called Baby-Led Weaning) where we skipped purees completely and have let her feed herself from day 1, and she basically eats what we eat, minus the salt and sugar.  It’s been incredible.  I’ve spent zero time making baby food.  We don’t have to worry about feeding her during meals while our own dinner sits and gets cold because she does it all herself.  And, best of all, she’s just part of our family dinners, enjoying the same foods we do.  I love it, can’t you tell?  And this has been her favorite food since she was 7 months old.

I love it too.  And so does my 4 year old little girl too.  I can hardly believe my girls get so excited when I make broccoli, but they do.  So, I think this is worth a try.  Even if you’re always been a broccoli-hater like me, this is worth a try.

So, thanks, Ina.  You changed me.

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