Broccoli with Lemon Almond Butter

How was your holiday season?  We had a wonderful time!  First we visited my mom for Thanksgiving and my M-I-L came as well, which was great!  I love when we get to have both sides of the family together for a holiday.  Then we drove to Wyoming to my dad's place for Christmas. 

My stepmom had the house decked out so beautifully.  Isn't this just the most picture-perfect Christmas shot? 

Yes, we are spoiled rotten.  Now that there are 8 grandkids in the family that adds up to quite a few presents under the tree!
Both of my sisters and their families were there.  I love watching the kids play together now that they are all a bit older.  We had tons of fun and tons of FOOD.  In fact, I pretty much pigged out the whole time I was there....and since it was freezing the entire time we were there my workouts consisted of going up and down the stairs a few times a day. I mean, it's beautiful, but would you go for a run in 5 degree weather?

Needless to say, by the time we got home I was ready for some lighter fare and a long workout!  I hit it hard at the Y today with a HIIT run and some lifting.  It felt great to get a little break from the kids and get the blood flowing. 

This recipe is a yummy side dish and really fit the bill.  It would be nice with some grilled shrimp on the side for a nice, light, dinner.
 

 

source

1 head fresh broccoi, cut into florets

1/4 c. butter, melted

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. lemon zest

1/4 c. slivered almonds

Steam or boil broccoli until tender, approximately 4 to 8 minutes. Drain.

 

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. lemon zest, and almonds. Pour over hot broccoli, and serve.  Feel free to adjust the amount of sauce used to taste. 

Top 10 Recipes of the Year

Now that all of the holiday madness is over I thought I'd do a little recap of the most-viewed recipes of 2012.  Here goes!

The first is the absolutely delish Best Chicken EVER!  Don't let the bizarre mix of ingredients turn you off, this stuff is amazing! 

 

Looking for light, fluffy, sweet pancakes you can make with pantry staples?  Look no further.  Best Ever Pancakes will fit the bill.

Italian Roasted Asparagus is an amazingly easy side dish for just about any meal.

Another one of our favorites that makes a great breakfast or afterschool snack, Blueberry Creme Muffins.

Go brush the snow off your grill; you'll want to try my Best Ever Steak Marinade.

Tacos in Pasta Shells are a great, family friendly dinner.

My Great Aunt Tommie's Chocolate Cake came in number one in the dessert category.  Serve with a glass of milk, it's RICH!

Whip up a batch of my friend Dawn's soft and chewy caramel corn for your Superbowl Party!

Another great dinner you can whip up in a few minutes on a busy weeknight, Spinach Tomato Tortellini

And last, but not least, if you're tired of cocoa and apple cider, give this yummy recipe to make Masala Chai tea a try.