Don't throw away those stalks!

It makes me chuckle every time I see an otherwise law abiding citizen sidle up to the broccoli in the produce department- glance furtively in both directions-then ever so quietly snap off the stalks of the broccoli, taking the florets in a clean get away. I'll admit I used to do it too. Why should I have to pay for this useless part of the vegetable that I am not going to use? Well, it is loaded with nutrients, and is not useless. The trick is to remove the tough exterior, which can be easily accomplished with a y shaped peeler (my personal favorite peeler). This is just a small list of the many uses for this vitamin rich "super food". Stay tuned for future posts for some of the recipes mentioned here. *********************************************************************************************** 1.) Slice the peeled stalk into discs and add to your favorite stir fry. If you are cooking the broccoli florets as well, add the stalks in first. They will take a little bit less time than a carrot to cook. You want to maintain some of the crunch to add a little texture the dish. 2.) Grate the stalks with box grater, and then blend into marinara sauce with a stick blender. For parents looking to sneak more vitamins into a their kid's diets, this is just the thing. Add the grated bits slowly while blending. If the sauce gets too green, kids will sense something is amiss (they're clever like that) and your efforts will go uneaten. However, as long as you don't overdue it, put the sauce on a pizza, or some spaghetti with parmesan cheese and you have a great way to slip some fiber and nutrients into a picky eaters stomach. 3.) Mix grated broccoli stalks with thinly sliced cabbage, grated carrot and sliced apple for a vibrant coleslaw. Toss the veggies with a little mayo,yogurt, some vinegar, whatever fresh herb you have on hand, and this coleslaw will be the hit of your next summer barbeque or potluck. 4.) Broccoli and Cheddar soup-The stem delivers all the broccoli flavor and nutrients, but makes for a smoother consistency in the soup once it is blended.