Brussel Sprout Treat

I found it necessary to add treat to the title of this recipe, because there's usually a fair amount of nay saying when people are asked if they like brussel sprouts. I, too, was among that group for many years until I tried them fresh and lightly steamed, or is it that my taste buds are dying as I age. Whatever. I now enjoy the little darlings.

What I didn't like about brussel sprouts was the lack of variation in preparations available, unless a person is inclined to drench them in butter or some kind of cheese sauce. Note: New Year's resolution - nix the butter drench and cheese sauce.

Fortunately, I'm constantly stumbling upon new and delightful recipes for some of my beloved foods. Here's a delightful and simple recipe for brussel sprouts.

Ingredients:

Fresh brussel sprouts
Olive oil
Salt, to taste

I almost feel as if I should add other ingredients just to make this look like a real recipe, but that's not going to happen.

Simply prepare the brussel sprouts but cutting off their little bottoms and removing the outer leaves which are often dry and split. Throw the trimmed sprouts into some boiling water for about 3 minutes. While this is going on put a skillet on the stove at medium heat so it warms up nicely. I prefer a non-stick skillet, but I'm sure just about any skillet will do.

Next you simply drain and cut the brussel sprouts into two pieces, cutting through the bottom and out the top. You will have halves. So far, pretty easy.

Pour about a fourth of a cup of olive oil into a dish and simply dip each flat side of each half into the olive oil before placing it into the skillet. Cover the pan and continue to cook the sprouts until they are tender and lightly browned, or as we say in the restaurant business, slightly caramelized.

Uncover the skillet and continue to caramelize the sprouts until they are a lovely golden brown on their bottoms. Transfer to a serving bowl, salt to taste, and enjoy. A small sprinkling of Parmesan cheese might also prove delightful.

Enjoy!