Easy Cheesy Broccoli

I love this recipe! It is fast, delicious, and always a hit. The sauce is equally good on other vegetables, especially cauliflower, broccoflower, or asparagus. If you've got picky kids, try this over their vegetables. Who can resist tangy cheesy sauce? It makes for a great side dish along any main course.

Cheesy-Mayo Broccoli

1 large head of broccoli, about 1 1/2 pounds
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tsp crushed garlic
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

1) Wash broccoli and trim off the florets, leaving bout a 1 1/2 inch stem. The whole stem can also be cooked if you peel off the darker green outer part and just eat the softer, lighter green inner part. Trim the stem into long sticks, if desired. Put all the broccoli in a pot with a lid. Add about 1 cup of water and bring to a boil (covered). Cook for 5-10 minutes, checking often for tenderness. When it is just soft enough to pierce with a knife or a fork easily, but still gives a little resistance, remove from heat and drain.
*optional 1) OR, if you don't want to steam it on the stovetop, cook it in the microwave. Just put the broccoli in a microwave safe bowl, with a little bit of water, cover with a piece of plastic wrap, and cook on high for 4-5 minutes.
2) While the broccoli is cooking, mix together the other ingredients.
3) When the broccoli is mostly cooked through, after it has been drained well, pour the mayo-cheese mixture over it. Return to the stovetop or microwave for another few minutes (3 minutes over very low heat on stovetop, or 1 minute in microwave on high) just to melt the cheese. Stir to coat the broccoli, and serve!

Note: I use fresh vegetables whenever I can. They retain a lot more of their vitamins and minerals than if they've been canned or frozen, and one other great thing: natural healthy bacteria. Canned vegetables have to be sterilized to stay shelf-stable. Fresh vegetables and fruits naturally introduce the body to safe bacteria that promote a healthier immune system. So, while canned vegetables are a wonderful asset to keep around the house, try to have a little more fresh whenever possible. There's lots of benefits! Watch for the vegetables that are in season or on sale, and don't be afraid to try something new.