Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

I still remember the first time my mom made Brussels sprouts for dinner.  It was actually my very health conscious younger sister who suggested that my mom make them.  They didn't look appetizing at all.  It was probably a subconscious thing because I had only heard awful things about Brussels sprouts.  As my family was sitting down to dinner that night I was heading out the door to work.  I usually enjoyed my mom's meals and was sad when I had to miss them but that night I was glad to get get to work.  I never did try the Brussels sprouts.

However, years later and the invention of Pinterest lead me to mouth watering photos of Brussels sprouts.  They just looked. so. good. and I decided that I was just going to have to try them.  I'm so glad I did!  Pinterest you have changed my life.  Brussels sprouts you are delicious!

Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous family, which I talked a little bit about when I posted my roasted cauliflower recipe.  They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and are suggested to be potent cancer fighters.  Try a new recipe tonight and get one of your five weekly suggest servings of cruciferous vegetables!

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

nourishing-bites.blogspot.com

1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts

2 tablespoons grass fed butter or organic coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon real salt

1/2 teaspoon organic sugar

1. Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Wash Brussels sprouts, trim off the bottoms, and peel and discard the outer leaves.  Cut sprouts in half.

2. In large bowl, drizzle sprouts with butter or coconut oil and toss until evenly coated.  Sprinkle with salt and sugar and stir to combine.  Don't be tempted to leave out the sugar.  It's only a little and it helps the veggies caramelize.

3. Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven.  Carefully transfer the sprouts to the sheet and spread them evenly.  Try to have the flat sides facing down.

4. Place the sprouts in the oven and roast until they're well brown and tender, about 20-30 minutes.  Serve hot out of the oven.

Printable recipe

-Amy

Crispy Oven Baked Fries

We've been enjoying cooking hamburgers on our new outdoor fireplace this summer.  And since hamburgers go well with a side of fries I thought I'd share with you my favorite french fry recipe.

Crispy Oven Baked Fries

nourishing-bites.blogspot.com

5 or 6 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/3 inch-thick french fry-style strips

1 tablespoon coconut oil

2 tablespoons salted butter (preferably grass fed)

real salt to taste

1. Place cut potatoes into a large bowl of cold water.  Allow to soak for about 20 minutes.  This remove the starch making your fries more crispy.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place oil and butter in a bowl and put in oven to melt while it preheats.

3. Drain the potatoes and pat dry with paper towels.  Return to bowl and drizzle with melted oil and butter.  Stir to coat.  Spread potatoes out on rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with salt to taste.

4. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until potatoes are golden brown.  Use a metal spatula to scoop up fries.  Enjoy with ketchup!

Printable recipe

-Amy

Roasted Cauliflower

I like vegetables.  They taste good.  They're good for us.  But I don't know if I would ever say that I crave them.  That is until I made this roasted cauliflower.  THIS. STUFF. IS. GOOD.  I mean really good.  I don't usually crave food in general but this roasted cauliflower I crave.  My kids love it too.  I was surprised the first time I made it and not only did I not get any complaints from them but they were asking for seconds!

Did you know that cauliflower belongs to the cruciferous family along with broccoli, brussel sprouts, 

cabbage, kale, and arugula?  Cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins, antioxidants  fiber, and are suggested to be potent cancer fighters.  Epidemiological studies recommend at least five weekly servings of these vegetables.  Sounds good to me because I can't get enough of this stuff!

Roasted Cauliflower

nourishing-bites.blogspot.com

1 head cauliflower, washed and cut into florets

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon real salt

1. Place baking sheet in oven on middle rack and preheat to 350 degrees.

2. Place cauliflower florets into a large bowl, add minced garlic and pour coconut oil over cauliflower.  Stir to evenly coat cauliflower with oil.

3. Carefully spoon prepared cauliflower onto heated baking sheet.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Devour every mouth watering bite.

Printable recipe

-Amy