On Feb 18, 5:11*pm, Nancy2 > wrote:
> On Feb 18, 1:22 pm, maxine in ri > wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Feb 18, 12:35 am, sf > wrote:
>
> > > On Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:29:39 -0800 (PST), maxine in ri
>
> > > > wrote:
> > > >I love steamed broccoli. *But the only way I seem to be able to get it
> > > >crisp-tender is to buy the frozen and follow the directions.
> > > >Yesterday, I got two pounds on the quick-sale rack that probably
> > > >shouldn't have been there. *it's perfect, after a night in ice water.
>
> > > >I've tried following the directions in Joy and Fannie, but somehow end
> > > >up with either hard-crisp (and bright green) or puke-yellow-green and
> > > >limp as a rag.
>
> > > >Suggestions for size of pot, depth of water under steamer basket, size
> > > >of floret pieces, and (you betcha) time steaming over what heat (keep
> > > >it on high, lower to a simmer?) appreciated.
>
> > > I've never tried frozen broccoli, but it sounds like you like broccoli
> > > soft. *Cut the broccoli into whatever size *you* like it. *The water
> > > shouldn't touch the steamer basket - bring it to a boil before adding
> > > the broccoli (at least until you become confident).
>
> > > When the pot is steaming put your broccoli in and cover. *Test a piece
> > > for doneness after 5 minutes. *If it's too crunchy for you, put the
> > > cover back on and give it another minute or two. *You may end up
> > > steaming it for 10 minutes.
>
> > > I just made broccoli tonight. *Wish I'd read this post before I did it
> > > so I could have timed it. *
>
> > > --
> > > I never worry about diets. The only carrots that
> > > interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.
>
> > > Mae West
>
> > Hmmm, yours is the variant opinion, which gives me a range of 2-10
> > minutes overall. *Since I have about 2 pounds, and it freshened up
> > nicely in a bowl of water overnight, I'll start with 2 and keep
> > checking until it gets to just before what we like. *The frozen stuff
> > is blanched (I think) and takes 7 minutes from freezer to plate in the
> > microwave.
>
> > Thanks all
> > maxine in ri
>
> I've never had microwaved frozen broccoli that didn't taste like dried
> up weeds, even following directions exactly. *Does it ever come out
> right? *I cook it on the stove top.
>
> N.
I can't get it right on the stovetop. I did try it tonight on the
stovetop with an inch of salted water and 5 minutes got it to a nice
sweet flavor and texture. I did find that some of the store brands
are not as good as the name brands. consistency of size and the
stores' (and your if you keep it around long enough) storage temp do
seem to make a difference. One kind my Mom used to get (Green Giant?
Bird's eye?) was very tiny florets, and the stems always burnt in
small spots when cooked according to the instructions. And Mom's nuke
was an oldie, not the 1000w+ jobbies we have now.

maxine in ri