Well folks, big things happening in ol’ Chena Girl’s world. Surreal, life-altering, incredible things. Like, “pinch-me-did-that-just-happen?!” stuff. Still wrapping my head around it.
I better just tell you. It’s too exciting.
I DANCED ON STAGE WITH WILSON PHILLIPS!!!!!!
I mean, seriously, right?! Sure, it was at a random casino in a forgettable town in Oregon (for reals, I could not tell you the name of the town). And yeah, perhaps their musical peak happened more than 30 years ago. Don’t care. I love them. Wendy, Carnie, and Chynna still got it. Hold on for one more day? I sure will! And my sister Holly confirmed that it’s the best birthday present she could have ever received.
I feel like a new woman. Life couldn’t get any better!
Except it did. I got a new job. A pretty cool one. :)
You see, I loved my old job. Adored it. I had no intention of ever leaving. But I’m learning that life just sort of has a way of charting it’s own course while you’re busy making other plans.
It was a big month, indeed. So big, in fact, that I needed the entire month of December just to take a collective breath! Thanks for your patience as I waited for my head to stop spinning.
Based on all of the questions and comments I’ve received about my new gig, two concerns have clearly emerged as the most pressing.
First: what are you going to do with Milo?
Answer: I needed a housesitter when I’m in Juneau. Problem solved!
Second:Â WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR FOOD BLOG?!
Answer: Well, this question kind of touched me.  You see, when I set out to start this blog nearly four years ago, I didn’t really have any idea what kind of reception it would get. I mean, I knew I was guaranteed four fans (mom, dad, sister, and brother, but he’s sort of half-hearted about it if you ask me). Beyond that, I didn’t even know if anyone would read it, much less make any of the recipes I shared.  But you do, and the feedback I get from my readers and friends fills my heart.
So Chena Girl ain’t going anywhere!
At this point, many of you are thinking to yourselves…dude, lady, is this a food blog or a “wax poetic” blog?
Hey, man! It’s my blog! Go get your own.
Ok, ok. Back to the food. I’ve lost track of how many friends are resolving to drop a few pounds this year. A little less candy, a few more carrots. In that spirit, this dish of roasted cauliflower and broccoli, topped with crunchy, lemony, cheesy panko breadcrumbs is about as close as you get to wanting seconds when it comes to veggies. I actually tested this theory when I brought the dish over to my friends Bill and Becky’s house for dinner last Sunday. We all agreed that next time, I should double the recipe. The real prize is the crispy, golden panko crumbs. I add a little lemon zest to the crumbs because I love the bright citrus note, but you could totally leave that out if you don’t have a lemon on hand. But the Parmesan cheese is essential.
The only thing I will do differently next time is make more.
Serve this alongside grilled salmon, like we did, or a seared sirloin steak or roasted chicken. Because healthy food shouldn’t be boring. It should be delicious!
#cookingcommish
For more recipes like this, check out the Chena Girl Cooks blog.
Roasted Cauliflower & Broccoli with Lemony Parmesan Breadcrumbs
(Adapted from Barefoot Contessa)
- 1/2 head of cauliflower and 1/2 head of broccoli, cored and cut into small florets (big florets should be sliced in half; as an alternative, use one full head of either cauliflower or broccoli, but I used what I had on hand)
- olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko (Japaneese bread crumbs)
- Zest of one lemon (about 2 teaspoons or so- optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Place the cauliflower and broccoli on a large shallow baking sheet. Toss with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Roast for 15 minutes. Remove and toss with a spatula.
Toss the panko with the lemon zest and one tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle on the cauliflower and broccoli and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and roast for another 1-2 minutes. Toss and serve. It’s sooooo good!
Enjoy!
xo h
Heidi was born and raised in Fairbanks, and grew up in and around the waters of the Chena River. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and received her law degree from Willamette University. A lawyer by day and self-taught home cook at night, she is passionate about cooking and creating tasty, uncomplicated food. She is also a firm believer in buying local produce and products whenever possible, and is an avid fisherwoman. She currently lives in Anchorage with her trusty terrier, Milo.
