Sun Roasted Broccoli

Next Thursday is “Talk Like A Pirate Day.” We thought it would be fun to have a pirate menu and craft/activity to make it a fun filled pirate day. That is why we are sharing “Sun Roasted Broccoli” today. Those pirates are on the ship all day being roasted by the sun.

First, wash your broccoli and then chop it into bite sized pieces. Some of ours were bite sized and some were larger, it depends on the chef and how particular they are. I prefer bite sized pieces because then I do not need to help cut the broccoli into smaller pieces later. That’s ok, it will all cook no matter the size.

Now the hard part is over and the rest is quick and easy. Place the cut broccoli on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. (I love the easy clean up when we use parchment paper!) Sprinkle some extra virgin olive oil over the broccoli.  Next sprinkle on top the salt, pepper and garlic.

Using your CLEAN hands mix the broccoli around. You want to coat all sides of the broccoli in the oil and then get some of the salt, pepper, and garlic on them as well. It really will taste better if you get your hands dirty and mix it all around seasoning each piece well. Don’t worry, you can wash your hands right after you finish. My Little Chefs hate doing the dirty tasks but if it is absolutely necessary they will do it very quickly and then run to wash and clean their hands.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and cut a fresh lemon. Squeeze it over the top of the warm broccoli and immediately serve. I love all the little brown bits and crunchy parts that give it texture. Now this is broccoli my Little Chefs love!

Yesterday we shared how to select, store and freeze broccoli. Come back tomorrow for another pirate themed addition to this meal!