Broccoli with Lemon Butter

I always thought that broccoli was a vegetable you eat because you just need vegetables.  But this recipe changed my whole outlook -- it is hands-down, the best broccoli I've ever eaten in my life.  The lemon butter has a fantastic flavor.

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 6 lbs broccoli
• 9 tbsp butter, softened
• Zest of two lemons
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, discarding the thick stems.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Boil the broccoli until tender, about 3 minutes.  Strain.  (You may need to cook in two batches)
3. In a mixing bowl, blend the butter, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.  Set aside.
4. In a skillet, heat 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil.  Add the pine nuts and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes.  Remove the nuts from the oil.
5. Add the remaining olive oil and cook the garlic.  Remove from the heat.
6. Place the broccoli in an oven-proof dish.  Drizzle with the garlic oil and then dollop with the lemon butter.  Sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
7. Bake at 350°F for 7-10 minutes -- just enough to get it heated through and melt the butter.
8. Serve hot directly out of the oven.

Adapted from Food & Wine.