With so many stars and politicians causing world wide controversies, you may be surprised to find that a very common item in your kitchen is doing just the same - broccoli!

But what is the buzz all about? Microwaves! Recently, Portuguese researchers have claimed that microwaving broccoli can cause it to lose up to 97% of its beneficial antioxidants. That is a very significant amount, indeed. Antioxidants help to protect your body's cells from damage, and therefore are thought to keep cancer at bay. Additionally, blanching your broccoli before freezing will remove about one third of the broccoli's antioxidants.

Yet some scientists claim that boiling your broccoli in water can remove just as many healthful nutrients, almost implying that microwaving is better. So which theory is correct? It seems the common factor in each of these cooking methods is water. The more water you use in cooking broccoli, the more antioxidants can be lost.

If you aren't eating your broccoli raw, then it is probably best to steam it using your stovetop. Steaming will expose the broccoli to less water, and will also remove the possible microwave effects from the equation altogether. Happy steaming!

You have GOT to try these potatoes. They are easy and taste like you worked all day to make them. The kids go crazy for them, and they are yummy the second time around!

First, find some small to medium sized potatoes and wash them. In the meantime, saut some garlic in olive oil in a pan. Add onions if your family enjoys them. Salt and pepper to taste. Now, place your potatoes in the pan and fill the pan with enough chicken broth (store-bought is fine!) to cover them halfway. Cover and cook until they are soft.

Take off the lid and let the broth boil down. As it starts to get low, carefully flip your potatoes over. Now the fun part. Grab yourself a glass or coffee mug and carefully squeeze down the potato until it slightly cracks. When the skin on the bottom is a bit crispy or appears caramelized, flip the potatoes one more time if you want the other side to be a bit crispy. These potatoes are particularly tasty with kosher salt sprinkled on them.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. If you have no broth, use water and onion soup mix. Or use broth as well as the soup mixture. If you are short on time, microwave the potatoes first. Rosemary is delicious with these too, as well as a bit of parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Use your imagination, and believe me, your family will thank you!