First off, Happy New Year, friends. Secondly, sorry (kind of) for the extended absence. Holidays, ya know! Anyway, we are back, and ready to go. We have a ton of big plans for B&C in 2014. So, let's get started, shall we.

With the start of the new year, most people are ready to come out swinging. Let's Cleanse! All raw! Nothing processed! No white sugar! While we think these things are pretty great for some folks, we believe in moderation. We are starting small, and easing into January. For instance, say we have cold pizza for breakfast, we might not also have it for lunch. See, we can do healthy!

O.k, maybe not cold pizza, but we're not going crazy in the opposite direction either. This recipe kind of sums up how we feel this time of year. It is simply prepared; nothing fussy. It has plenty of healthy components, but doesn't make you feel like you are depriving yourself. Really, that's about as good as it gets for a healthy start to a new year.

• 6 cups broccoli. cut into small florets. stems peeled and cut into small pieces
•  1/2 cup almonds, chopped
• 1/3 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• juice + zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, optional

In a large pot, fitted with a steamer basket, cook broccoli over high heat until crisp tender (about 7-10 min). Remove from heat, toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.