Awards,  Gluten-free,  Sides,  Vegetables

Broccoli and Cauliflower with Orange Zest, Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins

I have a simply delicious side veggie to share as well as my responses on being tagged for the 10 Question Quiz from Mandy at The Complete Cookbook!  (following the recipe)

Along with citrus being the fruit in season right now, broccoli and cauliflower are the seasonal vegetable during the winter months.  This very simple side dish bursts with unexpected flavor from the pine nuts, orange zest and golden raisins.  The raisins add a gentle sweetness that blends so well with the orange zest and pine nuts.  I’ve used this trio  mixed into orzo as well and as a topping for grilled or roasted fish or chicken.  Not only do these flavors enhance the dish, they also add a colorful presentation!

Broccoli and Cauliflower with Orange Zest, Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins

1 small head broccoli, cut into florets, stems trimmed

1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1 oz pancetta

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2-3 cloves garlic, mined

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped fine

½ cup golden raisins

2 tablespoons pine nuts

Zest from one large organic orange

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to boil.  Add in the broccoli and cauliflower and bring to boil, reduce to simmer and continue to simmer for about 5-8 minutes.   Drain and set aside on baking sheet.  (Can be made several hours ahead or day before).

Heat a large skillet with olive oil, sauté the pancetta until crisp.  Remove and set aside.  Add in the broccoli and cauliflower, salt and pepper to taste and sauté until lightly browned and heated well.  Remove to serving bowl and add the raisins, garlic, pine nuts, orange zest and rosemary to the skillet.  If necessary, add additional oil.  Sauté lightly to toast the pine nuts and marry the flavors.  Return the broccoli, cauliflower and pancetta to the skillet to mix together or simply pour over the veggies and toss lightly.  Serve at once or room temperature.  Makes about 6-8 servings.

Now, for my responses…

10 Questions – My Answers

1.  Describe yourself in seven words.

Mother, first and foremost, Friend to many, new and old, Passionate in all I do and feel, Caring to others, Perfectionist at heart but Realistic in knowing that striving to be my best is better than achieving perfectionism, Cheery and happy throughout my day and hopelessly Romantic dreaming for that special one to share my life with.

2.  What keeps you up at night?

Not much as I live by the words of Scarlett O’Hara…”I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.”

3.  Who would you like to be?

I’m very happy being who I am!

4.  What are you wearing now?

A pair of jeans and a tank top.

5.  What scares you?

I can only think to answer of the safety of my children; no matter how old they are I will be concerned for their safety as they journey on in their life.

6.  What is the best and worst things of blogging?

I’d have to agree with Mandy’s answers on both accounts as the best thing about blogging is the wonderful virtual friends I have met and come to know through their comments and support.

The worst thing about blogging would have to be the amount of time it takes to keep consistent and in touch with everybody on a daily basis.

7.  What was the last website you looked at?

Amazon.  I’m constantly filling my wish list and cart with cookbooks I desire!

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I will refer to my New Year’s resolution to strive for Divine Thoughts throughout my day!  It’s not that I’m naughty but caddy thoughts are just not right!

9.  Slankets, yes or no?

No….really had no idea what it was!!

10. Tell us something about the person who tagged you.

Not sure how we found one another, thru her stopping by first or my finding her, but regardless of the way we “met”, I’m glad to share our virtual friendship!  Mandy not only posts some wonderful recipes but her blog contains so much other useful information.  If you search around you can find a wealth of information on conversions, cooking times, tips and how tos…even table setting ideas! She’s definitely the “complete cookbook”!

Who are you going to tag to join the quiz?  (hopefully I’ve not tagged someone already tagged!)

  1.  Mary – One Perfect Bite 
  2. Amy – Savory Moments 
  3. Phyllis – Food Flowers Herbs and Life 
  4. Juliana – Simple Recipes
  5. Junia –   Miss Pensamientos 
January is #citruslove month!
Please join in on the #citruslove by linking up any citrus recipe from the month of January 2012. Don’t forget to link back to this post, so that your readers know to come stop by the #citruslove event! The twitter hastag is #citruslove :).
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I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.

44 Comments

  • Lisa {Smart Food and Fit}

    First I just have to say I love everything about this recipe. I like broccoli but not a big fan of cauliflower but with the seasonings you used, pancetta, lemon zest, raisins, pepper flakes I think I could learn to love this recipe.

    Second, it’s so nice to get to know you from these fun questions. I too don’t know what a slanket is? Don’t tell me it’s a cross between pajama pants and snuggy! I’m thinking it’s a pair of slacks that can be worn as a blanket? Who know’s if I stay up late at night to watch infomercials, I may find out what it is! lol

  • France

    I just bought a big head of cauliflower and broccoli. I’d love to blend those two with orange. Lemon i’ve done, but I’m intrigued with the orange thing. YUM

  • katherine

    Linda you are just the coolest chick! You seem like the best mom and someone I really would love to have a cocktail or drink a bottle of wine with. I also love that you’re happy with who you are. That recipe looks so good, it almost makes me forget I don’t like cauliflower. I know, Greg and I are a pair. He loves it, but hates raisins, which I love.

    • spicegirlfla

      Well, thank you Katherine!! And I know we’d truly enjoy a fun evening together!! We can let Greg join in for one drink, then we’ll continue with the ladies night ourselves!! I feel like I know you both so well that as I was making it I was thinking of Greg and his dislike of raisins!! And every time I use mayo, I think of you!!

  • David

    Looks like a perfect side for a celebration. I’ll be adding this to my Thanksgiving/Christmas list, maybe sub out dried cranberries for the raisins… Thank you!

  • Caroline

    For one, this pasta looks incredible and you’re right, so colorful! I love the sweet component of the golden raisins. I hear ya on the perfectionist part…I’ve been that way since before I can remember. Thanks for sharing this quiz, Linda! I had no idea what a slanket was either (actually had to Google it), ha!

  • Kay aka Babygirl

    I LOVE Broccoli and Cauliflower together. I always make it with carrots or any other veggie I have laying around. Sometimes I even make it as a stir fry. I absolutely love the flavors int his recipe. Wonderful recipe and loved your answers to the 10 questions 🙂

  • Courtney

    I love learning more about people through these little shares. (and I have no idea what a Slanket is either…) I wish i liked broccoli and cauliflower… I’m working on it. 🙂

  • ChgoJohn

    Wonderful post, Lynda. I can easily see within you all 7 of words that you used to describe yourself, although I would have added ‘Biscotti Queen’ in there somewhere. All in all, I found it to be as much a pleasure to read as it was to learn more about you. On a more personal level, you have helped to make my own blogging experience worthwhile and I’m thankful to you for that.

    I’m just an orange short for fixing your recipe for dinner tonight but that will have to wait. We’re at the beginning of the season’s first snowstorm. The only time I’m leaving this place i the next 24 hours will be to clear some snow later this evening.

    • spicegirlfla

      John, I thank you so much for your kind comment. It makes me feel good to know that I have inspired, touched or helped someone thru my blogging. You know how much I cherish you and your posts! I’ll forgive you now for shipping me off to the circus when I was a little girl:)
      As for the Biscotti Queen, well I would have had to list “queen” as the descriptive word of myself and yes while I do feel I am, that would have been quite arrogant!! But thanks, I’ll take the Biscotti Queen title proudly!!
      p.s. Even tho I’m a freeze baby,I used to get so excited over snowstorms! I’d build a fire and stay inside!! Keep warm and safe!

  • Just A Smidgen

    I’ve been on a healthy “bent” the past few weeks (along with most people, I’ve noticed!) and this looks like a really unique and delicious recipe that could be a main course. Lovely!

  • Kristy

    I love your answer for number 2 Linda. I need to remember that and take it to heart. 🙂 And I too will always worry about my kids – no matter how old they get. Great looking recipe too – I like the addition of golden raisins. 🙂

  • Chica Andaluza

    Thi is such a fantastic recipe – it´s very Moorish (culturally with the raisin and pine nuts) and more-ish just becuase I could always eat a double portion! Am loving the citrus them at the moment, it´s perfect for us at this time of year. Really enjoyed reading your 10 questions…keep striving for those Divine Thoughts!

  • hotlyspiced

    I love your side-dish. It would go perfectly with steak or chicken. And with all those colours it photographs really well too. I think that quiz is great – always enjoy reading people’s answers because you get to know a little more about the blogger.

  • patty

    This is a lovely recipe and I would like to pair this dish with your lemon rosemary chicken for dinner one night! Thanks for your comment on my blog, I’m following you on Twitter;-)

  • Anne@FromMySweetHeart

    Linda…this dish is beautiful! I love broccoli and cauliflower so much I could eat them steamed on their own. But I love the addition of pine nuts and raisins and citrus! What great taste and texture and I can’t wait to try this! Love all of your answers (great insight into you!)…but I especially love and agree with your answer to what keeps you up at night!

  • thecompletecookbook

    Absolutely LOVE your veggie side dish – it’s bursting with wonderful flavours.
    Thank you again for the wonderful compliment, I feel very special and lovely to learn more about you through your answers.
    Have a super weekend Linda.
    🙂 Mandy

  • Sissi

    It’s the first time I see broccoli and cauliflower in one dish. They look so happy together 😉 The zest and pine nuts must give a very interesting flavour.
    I have greatly enjoyed reading your answers. It’s so funny because I’m almost every day on amazon, adding things, updating my wish list, dreaming…

  • kathryningrid

    Beautiful combination. I just made a somewhat similar one I learned from a friend here with cauliflower and pine nuts, feta and browned butter and rosemary, and added broccoli. Great stuff!

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