roasted brussels sprouts

If you had tracked me down when I was in my 20s and asked me if I liked brussels sprouts, I would’ve wondered aloud whether you were crazy.  But I can’t actually tell you if I’d ever eaten brussels sprouts.  When I did finally try them, it was roasted, and I discovered how fantastic they are.  I’ve since had them boiled to within an inch of their life, and understand why people who have only ever experienced them that way would think that they’re horrible.

This recipe is so simple that it doesn’t feel like it should count as a recipe.  But sometimes the simplest recipes are the most perfect ones.  I’ll sometimes just have these roasted sprouts for lunch because they’re so good.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Cut the brown ends off of the sprouts and remove any yellow leaves.  If they’re large, quarter them; if medium, halve them; if small, leave them be.  Put the sprouts in a bowl, and toss with the olive oil and salt.  Spread in a single layer on a large roasting pan.  Roast for 40-50 minutes, shaking halfway through to evenly brown them.  The sprouts are done when they’re crispy brown on the outside and tender on the inside.

chocolate pudding

I started with this recipe, and have essentially no updates.  I had a pint of Blue Bottle’s New Orleans iced coffee, which is milk-based, that was about to go off so I replaced some of the milk with that.  I had some Godiva chocolate liqueur in the back of the pantry, so I added a tablespoon of that.  And I had both Godiva ground chocolate and cocoa powder, so that went in too.  That might sound like a lot of updates, but it was really about what I had on hand.

Ingredients

2/3 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup ground chocolate (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chocolate liqueur (optional)

Instructions

In a large saucepan, whisk together the dry ingredients, then whisk in the milk.  Over medium-high heat, continue whisking until it just starts to thicken and bubble, about 6-8 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and chocolate liqueur.

Divide the pudding into individual cups.  If you’re opposed to a thin skin on your pudding (I’m not), put a bit of plastic wrap directly on the pudding.  Refrigerate until cold and set, at least 2 hours.

Serve with whipped cream, sliced strawberries, raspberries, or anything else that sounds good to go with it.  Swoon over how lovely it is.