Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli

Last time I was at Trader Joe’s, I picked up a tray of multi-colored cauliflower and broccoli. I’m definitely drawn to color in clothing, art and food. There was a time in my life where I pretty much wore black every single day.  I also died my hair black and wore black Doc Martens to bed – hah! I painted my childhood bedroom with super dark – outdoor forest green house paint  – Mom and Dad loved that one. Took my Dad a million coats of primer to paint before they moved. A switch turned and by the time I hit my 30’s, vibrant colors entered my life. That is if you don’t count the period in my 20’s where I had fuchsia hair. 😉

Enough of that, let’s get cookin’.

The Ingredients:

12 oz. Package of Cauliflower and Broccoli Pieces – (about 2 cups) – Next time I’ll just buy a head of cauliflower and a head of broccoli
1/2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil – It was a generous 1/2 tablespoon – probably more like 1 Tablespoon.
1 Teaspoon Dried Marjoram – Trying to find this led to a spice cabinet clean out and organization
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 Cup Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese

First step – preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss the cauliflower/broccoli, EVOO, marjoram, salt and pepper in a bowl.

Spread the seasoned mix onto a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

I pulled my batch at 18 minutes. They were starting to soften and brown on the bottom like they were supposed to. I removed them from the baking sheet and put them back into the bowl and added the balsamic.

Make sure you coat the cauliflower and broccoli really well. 

Sprinkle the mixture with the finely shredded parmesan and then get things transferred back onto the baking sheet.  Roast until the cheese is melted, the moisture has evaporated and the edges start browning. It took my batch another 10 minutes.

I was on my own for dinner last night, so this easy dish was perfect! I put a piece of garlic bread under the broiler and dinner was served on the patio.

This weekend will be filled with a lot of cooking and a family BBQ at our place. I have a feeling tonight will be major house cleaning and everything that goes along with having a house full of people.

Happy Friday!