It's easy to miss tiny Southside Espresso–it's tucked behind other shops in a Montrose plaza–but regulars say this little coffee house is definitely worth seeking out. Southside Espresso offers everything you need to start your day off right. Order a double shot of espresso, either straight up or mixed with a bit of foamy, steamed milk, then grab a chocolate croissant or blueberry muffin for the road.

Southside Espresso is also a good place to linger if you've got the time. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to catch up on email or get a bit of work done, while the shop's specialty drinks, like the sweet potato latte or cardamom and clove spiked latte, are ideal for slow, leisurely sipping. A variety of house-made syrups complete the shop's flavor possibilities, and a line-up of beers and wines rounds out the evening possibilities at this hotspot.

Southside Espresso
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-9990
southsideespresso.com
www.yelp.com/biz/southside-espresso-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/olfiika

You’ve likely made broccoli as a healthy side dish for an evening meal, but have you ever prepared broccoli rabe? This green vegetable is often under-utilized by many home chefs, but its high nutritional content and leafy, slightly bitter taste make it a unique addition to many dishes. Here are three steps that will help you to perfectly prepare broccoli rabe.

1. Trim the stems. Like many leafy greens, broccoli rabe contains hard, stiff stems that aren’t so pleasant to eat. Trim the stems off just below the leaves by using a sharp knife against a wooden or plastic cutting board.
2. Rinse and dry. To remove any pesticides or stray dirt, rinse your broccoli rabe under lukewarm running water. Next, pat dry with a sturdy paper towel or clean cloth.
3. Cook until wilted. Add a bit of olive oil to a skillet and let it sit over medium heat for a few moments. Add the broccoli rabe and toss for 15 to 20 minutes until the whole thing is very wilted, lessening its bitter flavor and tough consistency. Add crushed red pepper, garlic, salt and pepper, or whichever herbs and spices that you prefer.

How to Cook Broccoli Rabe Perfectly… Italian Style [Clean Cuisine]
Don’t Be Bitter, Just Cook Rapini Better [Zester Daily]
Broccoli Rabe [Real Simple]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Katie Lips

Everything is starting to bud and bloom! What are you doing to enjoy this lovely change in weather?