Sesame Lime Broccolini or Broccoli

Broccolini: Kinda Like Broccoli

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light

Broccolini, also known as broccolette, is a cross between regular broccoli and gai-lan, so-called Chinese broccoli, which we find doused with oyster sauce at authentic dim sum restaurants. Broccolini resembles gai-lan; its long graceful stems are sleek and sexy when plated. It’s tender and pungent like gai-lan, but not as bitter, more sweet like broccoli. I’ve added a good amount of oyster sauce to this recipe. Fresh lime, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, a sprinkle of sugar, and crushed red pepper round out the easy-to-make sauce. This recipe can also be used with gai-lan or broccoli.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serve with Spring Greens for Lightness

Adapted from Yoga Journal

It’s an odd time of year. It’s almost spring, but few things besides chard, kale, and cabbage are growing in most Santa Cruz gardens. The local Farmers’ Markets don’t start for another month or two. It’s nearly a new spring but with the same old winter veggies. So we’ll be stuck with root veggies, winter squash, chard, and cold-friendly crucifers for a while. On the bright side, it's the perfect time to try something new and different with the more-of-same old veggies—something more creative than just steaming or baking.  Let’s (re)introduce the Brussels sprout, with in-season maple syrup.