Being a good cook means knowing how to use up every bit of usable food product that comes into the kitchen. Broccoli is one such item that can be utilized in its entirety.

To cut up broccoli for maximum usage:

• Cut off 1/2 inch from the bottom of the stem and discard or put into the compost pile.
• Peel stem carefully using a peeler or sharp paring knife.
• Cut stem away from the broccoli florets, leaving about 2 inches of stem.
• Slice broccoli stem into coins or thin diagonal slices if including in a stir-fry. Otherwise, it can be chopped up to be added to soups and stews.
• Separate top into florets by breaking off at natural separations. You will most likely have a center where you have tiny florets.
• Cut center through the stem, halving or quartering it, to separate the center florets.

And voila, cut up broccoli, no waste!