Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Acorn Squash

Every winter season, I look forward to the wide availability of Brussels sprouts and acorn squash. I prepare them many different ways, but I make it a point to never overwhelm the distinct flavors of these seasonal veggies.

This time around, I steamed the vegetables until tender, then sautéed them in a little butter until caramelized. Finally, I glazed them in balsamic-maple syrup. The children love this dish because of its intriguing flavors; the sweet, tart and savory notes with a hint of maple in the background got very positive reviews.

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a delicious winter vegetable that can be cooked in many ways (roasted, boiled, grilled or braised). For this recipe, I first boiled them, then braised them in apple cider vinegar and honey and mixed them with tarragon-infused caramelized onions.

The dish is quite filling, yet healthy. I love these miniature cabbages and as their name indicates, they originated in the capital of Belgium (hence the name). So they are spelled Brussels sprouts, not Brussel sprouts, Brussel's sprouts or Brussels' sprouts. Regardless of how you spell them, they are yummy!

Brussels Sprout Salad with Marinated Feta Cheese

We're in a funny period. It's not cold enough to make soup, but we're starting to get fall and wintry ingredients such as figs and Brussels sprouts despite the hot weather. I bought some Brussels sprouts from the local market and decided to make a salad with them. I think the brininess of the feta complements the flavor of the Brussels sprouts really well. I marinated some feta cheese with lemon juice, lemon zest and pink and green peppercorns, and added it to the steamed and grilled Brussels sprouts. The result is something that in no way resembles the boiled, lifeless Brussels sprouts that are reviled by kids and adults alike. In fact, the girls absolutely love Brussels sprouts, and they completely inhaled the salad. 

This winter, I'll post a Brussels sprout gratin that no one can resist . Stay tuned!