Gingered Broccoli Cheese Food

GINGER BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Saute the broccoli over medium heat in sesame oil for 8 minutes.
• While broccoli is cooking, stir together the soy sauce, ginger, and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves.
• Add the soy mixture to the broccoli along with the water, cover and simmer for 2 minutes more.
• Serve at once.

GINGERED CREAM CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Put cream cheese out for at least 1/2 hour to soften.
• Toast the muffins.
• Combine cheese, ginger and zest. Thin out with juice. Add just drops at a time until it reaches a texture you like. Add some sugar as desired.
• Spread on muffins. Make sandwich.
• If you like a thicker coat of cream cheese, increase the amount you make.

ROASTED CHEDDAR BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Cut 1 large head broccoli into long spears. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil on a baking sheet; season with salt. Roast at 450 degrees F until almost tender, 15 minutes. Toss 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) with 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 1 bunch sliced scallions, 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of nutmeg. Sprinkle on the broccoli and roast 15 more minutes.

GINGERED BROCCOLI CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet over low heat, soften the garlic, onion and 1 tablespoon of the ginger with the minced garlic and onion in the olive oil, about 5 minutes. Set aside. Place the broccoli, remaining ginger and low-fat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cover and simmer until the broccoli is tender but not soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ginger, garlic and onion mixture to the broccoli mixture and puree in a food processor or blender. Add 1/2 cup of the yogurt cheese. Puree until smooth. Fold in the remaining yogurt cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill and serve with crudites or crackers.