The recipe you’re interested in, “Colorado Cache Creamed Broccoli with Almonds,” hails from the renowned cookbook “The Colorado Cache” by the Junior League of Denver, first published in 1978. This dish serves as a perfect accompaniment to any special dinner, particularly fitting for occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, with a preparation time of 20 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, including baking.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli: 3 heads, chopped into florets
- Butter: 1/4 cup
- Flour: 1/4 cup
- Half-and-half: 1 cup
- Hot water: 3/4 cup
- Beef bouillon cube: 1, dissolved in hot water
- Dry sherry: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Pepper: to taste
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Almonds: 1/4 cup, sliced
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 222
- Fat: 16.1g
- Saturated Fat: 8.7g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
- Sodium: 253.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 5.8g
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare an 8×12 inch shallow baking dish and arrange the chopped broccoli florets evenly inside.
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour until smooth, creating a roux.
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Gradually add the half-and-half and the hot water with dissolved beef bouillon cube, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
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Add the dry sherry, fresh lemon juice, and pepper to the sauce, blending well until everything is incorporated.
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Pour the sauce evenly over the arranged broccoli in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and sliced almonds over the broccoli and sauce.
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Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the top is lightly golden brown.
This dish not only enhances the nutritional value of broccoli with almonds but also adds a creamy, savory element with the sauce made from butter, flour, half-and-half, and flavorful seasonings like sherry and lemon juice. The almonds provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, complementing the tender broccoli and creamy sauce perfectly.
With a rating of 5 stars from 2 reviews, it’s clear that this recipe from “The Colorado Cache” is a beloved classic that promises to elevate any special meal with its rich flavors and comforting appeal. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish that captures the essence of homemade comfort food with a touch of elegance.