Sauteed Garlic Baby Broccoli: Saying good-bye to your last baby

In seven short days, only a week, I lost Baby Son who turned into Son.  In those seven days, he became MOSTLY potty trained (I say mostly, because we are still have some snafus) and left his crib to sleep in a regular twin sized bed.  It's not even a toddler bed but an extra long twin.  And suddenly I looked at him, sleeping in his big bed, going to the bathroom without a diaper on, and I thought to myself, "My baby is gone."

It almost broke my heart, because this last one, I just wanted to hold on to his babyhood a bit longer.  I wanted to cuddle his sweet face, curl up next to his plump body and receive hugs from his outstretched baby arms for as long as I could.  Suddenly my baby became so different with those few changes that his personality changed as well. He suddenly is more demanding, a LOT louder, and much bossier.

And because I so craved a baby in the house, I decided to go with some baby broccoli.  Not even as close replacement, but somewhere in my crazy psychotic mind, I think to myself that if I FEED him baby type foods, he'll stay one?

This is Son and Daughter's ABSOLUTE favorite vegetable and this preparation is their favorite. It does use more oil that a steamed broccoli or even one that is partially steamed and then sauteed, but the flavor is really delicious and the olive oil mellows out the broccoli flavor.

Garlic Baby Broccoli
Serves 6 (but our family gobbles it up even when husband isn't around...so maybe 4?)

3 tablespoons olive oil, more if needed
1 lb baby broccoli (also called broccolini), cut into 2 inch pieces.  (I like the Trader Joe's organic broccoli)
8 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or put through a garlic press)
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat large saute pan over medium heat.  Add oil and broccoli.  Allow to slowly cook, stirring often, watching to make sure it is not burning. Season with salt and pepper.

When broccoli is bright green and crispy tender (about 12-15 minutes later) add chopped garlic, and additional oil if necessary.  Continue cooking until garlic is cooked and golden, about another 3 minutes.

Test for seasonings one last time, and then serve.

Printable recipe

These pictures were all taken when there was no more natural light and with my brand new flash.  I'm not happy with my ability with the flash yet, but hopefully will improve.