Broccoli, ham, and cheese

When I was a kid, people used to joke about how much kids hated broccoli. I always thought it was strange because I absolutely loved broccoli. My love of broccoli began with this recipe. It crack me up now because the prevailing thinking now is "If your kids won't eat veggies, at least you can always fall back on broccoli. All kids like that." My mother got this recipe form a Pillsbury bake off in (probably) the late 60's or early 70's. If you want to make this recipe extra "fancy", you can add the crescent rolls. They are arranged to form a wreath shape. I very rarely use the crescent rolls, although, it does make a nice presentation. I like to use fresh broccoli and the microwave method. At our house this is a one dish meal (serves 2-3), but normal people will probably want to serve this as a side dish.

MOM'S BROCCOLI HAM AND CHEESE

Regular method:

INGREDIENTS

1 package broccoli or 1 bunch fresh

1/2 cup cut small or grated cheese (Colby or cheddar)

1/4 cup cubed ham or Canadian bacon

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 T onion, chopped fine

1 T chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp Mustard, I used sandwich pal, but Dijon or plain yellow also work

salt and pepper (easy on the salt because of the ham)

Cook the broccoli according to package directions. Whisk together the lemon juice and mustard. When the broccoli is cooked, mix all of the ingredients together.

"Fancy" presentation oven method.

INGREDIENTS

1 package broccoli or1 bunch fresh

1/2 cup cut small or grated cheese (Colby or cheddar)

1/4 cup cubed ham or Canadian bacon

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2-3 T chopped onion

1 T chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp mustard, I use sandwich pal, but Dijon or plain yellow also work

salt and pepper (easy on the salt because of the ham)

Crescent dinner rolls

Cook broccoli according to package directions. Combine lemon juice and mustard. When the broccoli is finished, combine all ingredients. Place crescent rolls on pizza pan, with the short sides of the crescent rolls pressed together forming a circle. The long points of the crescent rolls will be facing outward, like a many pointed star. Place the broccoli on the crescent rolls to form a wreath shape. Turn the points of the crescent rolls over the filling and attach them to the inside edge or the crescent roll. I don't have anything written that says how to bake it. I'd assume that you bake it according to the directions on the crescent rolls. That should work since the broccoli filling is already warm and all you need to do is bake the crescent rolls.

Microwave Method:

INGREDIENTS

1 package broccoli or1 bunch fresh

1/2 cup cut small or grated cheese (Colby or cheddar)

1/4 cup cubed ham or Canadian bacon

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2-3 T chopped onion

1 T chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp mustard, I use sandwich pal, but Dijon or plain yellow also work

salt and pepper (easy on the salt because of the ham)

Mix the lemon juice and mustard together in a microwave safe bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and cook in the microwave for 7or 8 minutes, checking after 5 minutes. Mix in the cheese when you think you're one minute from being done.

Keep broccoli covered when serving. Broccoli cools quickly.

*Note- all microwaves cook differently. If this is your first time making broccoli in your microwave, start checking early. My microwave is slow so your broccoli might be done much earlier.