When Adam Roberts of the Amateur Gourmet posted his rendition of Ina Garten's Roasted Broccoli, he called his post The Best Broccoli of Your Life. I'm inclined to agree. Roasting the broccoli until it carmelizes is an excellent start. Tossing it with lemon juice, lemon zest, toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese can't be bad, as Ina would say. So I'm not going to compete with that. But I will offer another take on a similar theme.

This broccoli recipe is also roasted, but it has an Asian flavor, thanks to the soy sauce and red pepper flakes. Don't worry if the kids won't eat spicy food. You're only used a 1/4 teaspoon. If they are really sensitive to hot foods, just leave out the red pepper flakes. (But honestly, I would still give it a try. That's just me.)

Tossing with peanuts for the second half of the roast is just genius in my book. (Hey, if I don't say I'm smart, nobody else will!).

Really. Try the broccoli. Let me know what you think. Post a comment here or in the forums.

Okay, I have to apologize. I really needed to get a picture of this peach pie before I served it, but the kids were clamoring for it, so I cut it quickly (too quickly because it started oozing), topped it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (which, in my book is the only right way to serve pie) and snapped a picture as fast as I could. It isn't pretty, but the peach pie is darned good. Make some tonight and see if you don't agree.

Peach Pie image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Amid a sea of i-Pods and i-Phones and DSes and other gadgets and gizmos to capture our kids' attention, there are a few old-fashioned summertime activities that hold allure for the goobers. Turns out making homemade lemonade and selling it to passersby, whether in the neighborhood or at an event is one that ranks high among the kids. Try it yourself with these step-by-step directions for making lemonade.

Lemonade image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Planning a summer picnic or backyard BBQ? This Mustard Potato Salad Recipe deserves a place at the table. The perfect partner for everything from fried chicken to burgers, this potato salad has a sweet, slightly spicy, flavor that appeals to everyone.

Mustard Potato Salad image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.