Trees and Snow

Trees and Snow Recipe from California: Broccoli Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

Region / culture: California | Servings: 4

Introduction

Trees and Snow is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of broccoli with a creamy and tangy dip. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy snack or as a side dish for a meal.

History

The combination of broccoli and a creamy dip has been a popular choice for many years. The contrast of the crunchy broccoli with the smooth and tangy dip creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

1 head of broccoli or broccoflower
1 tbsp of water
1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
sugar
salt

Snow

0.67 cup of mayonnaise
0.5 cup of sour cream

How to prepare

Cut the broccoli into florets, preferably large ones with plenty of stem.
Trim the sides off the bottom part of the stem, discard the very bottom and sides, and slice if desired.
Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl.
Pour water and vinegar or lemon juice into the bowl.
Sprinkle with sugar and salt to taste, being careful not to overdo it.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
Microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender, but still crunchy.
Remove the covering and let the broccoli cool slightly.
The broccoli can be served at room temperature or slightly warm, but avoid overheating.
Mix mayonnaise and sour cream together to make a creamy dip.
Serve the broccoli florets with the creamy dip, or arrange them on a plate and use a spoon to add dollops of the dip on top.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or seeds to the creamy dip for added crunch.
Roast the broccoli in the oven instead of microwaving for a different flavor profile.
Use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative in place of the sour cream for a lighter dip.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the broccoli, as it should still be slightly crunchy.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to suit your taste preferences.

- The creamy dip can be customized with additional seasonings or herbs for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Trees and Snow can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a vegetable platter.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the broccoli helps to retain its vibrant color and crisp texture, while the creamy dip adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cauliflower or another vegetable in place of broccoli for a different twist on this recipe. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative in place of the sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the broccoli and creamy dip ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the broccoli florets on a platter and drizzle the creamy dip over the top for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Trees and Snow pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled chicken, sandwiches, or a fresh salad. It also complements a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the broccoli in the microwave or enjoy it cold with the creamy dip.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Trees and Snow contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying snack or side dish.

Carbohydrates

The main part of the dish, the broccoli, is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.

Fats

The creamy dip, made with mayonnaise and sour cream, contains a moderate amount of fats. However, you can opt for low-fat or light versions of these ingredients to reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Broccoli is a good source of plant-based proteins, while the creamy dip provides additional protein from the mayonnaise and sour cream.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The creamy dip also provides some calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and eggs (mayonnaise), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Trees and Snow is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Trees and Snow is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with a creamy and tangy dip. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy snack or as a side dish for a meal. Enjoy the crispness of the broccoli and the smoothness of the dip in every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a cold winter day, the kind of day where the snow was falling gently from the sky, covering the trees with a blanket of white. I had just finished baking a batch of my famous apple pies when I decided to take a walk outside to enjoy the winter wonderland.

As I walked through the snowy forest, I came across a small cabin nestled among the trees. Smoke billowed from the chimney, and I could smell the delicious aroma of something cooking inside. Curious, I knocked on the door and was greeted by a kindly old woman with a twinkle in her eye.

She invited me in and offered me a cup of hot cocoa to warm me up. As we chatted by the fire, I noticed a book on the table filled with handwritten recipes. I couldn't resist asking the old woman about it, and she smiled and told me that she had been collecting recipes for as long as she could remember.

One recipe in particular caught my eye. It was called "Trees and Snow," and the old woman explained that it was a special dish that she only made during the winter months. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She hesitated for a moment before nodding and handing me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions.

I thanked her profusely and promised to try making the dish at home. As I walked back through the snowy forest, I couldn't wait to give the recipe a try. When I arrived back at my own cozy kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and set to work.

The recipe called for fresh snow, which I collected from outside and brought inside to melt in a pan on the stove. As the snow melted, I added sugar, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon to create a sweet and fragrant syrup. In another pan, I sautéed apples and pecans in butter until they were golden brown and caramelized.

Once everything was ready, I spooned the warm apple mixture onto plates and drizzled the snow syrup on top. The combination of the warm, spiced apples and the cool, sweet snow was absolutely divine. It was like eating a slice of winter itself.

I couldn't wait to share the dish with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious it was. From that day on, "Trees and Snow" became a staple in my winter cooking repertoire, a dish that I would make year after year to remind me of that special day in the snowy forest.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my collection of recipes and memories, I can't help but smile at the thought of that chance encounter with the old woman in the cabin. It just goes to show that sometimes the best recipes come from the most unexpected of places. And I will always be grateful for the day I learned how to make "Trees and Snow."