My monthly post of healthy cooking is about baking veggies. I grill, which you will hear about in the summer months, and steam veggies in almost every lunch or dinner meal. However, one of my friends had a party and baked Brussel sprouts. I promise you I could have ate the whole tray but thought that might not be acceptable at a party. I asked her what she did and it was simple, which is another concept I will write about. Some of the best food is simple foods! I've been making a variety of her recipe since.
I don't remember ever eating baked veggies as a kid. I know I didn't make them as an adult. NOW I know what I was missing; some delicious goodies. The BASIC recipe for most veggies is a little olive oil, salt and pepper. After that GO CRAZY! I've added garlic salt, different spices, and balsamic vinegar. I will say "keep the salt limited" but have fun with spices. It is hard for me to follow any recipe because I always throw my flare in with adding other "stuff".
 |
| Before Baking |
 |
| After Baking |
So today's recipe was difficult but I did follow the recipe: Parmesan Tomato Zucchini Bake. I felt like it was missing something. I liked it but not loved it.
So I made side dishes. The baked Brussel sprouts and broccoli was only EVOO, garlic salt and pepper. Loved it!!! I will be making this many more time. Similar recipe with cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus and mushrooms was EVOO, garlic salt and pepper but added the Italian spice and chopped garlic. The smell was wonderful and this simple recipe was a winner in my book! I bake them at 400 degrees and check it after 20 minutes to determine how m
uch longer to cook the dishes. I like my veggies on the crunchier side so I don't cook mine as long as some people might like but I give you permission to cook the way YOU want to cook. You like crunchy then have crunchy but you need to not cook them as long. If you like soft veggies then let them cook a little longer. Make it the way YOU like them and your family. So until next month, ping me with your thoughts and let me know what you think I should try next. Keep cooking healthy ...
~Tara Woolbright, Realtor 713-489-0507 or tara.woolbright@gmail.com
