Whiteley Creek Homestead

Day's just don't get any better than this… This morning, I plucked sweet ripe strawberries, broccoli heads, an eggplant, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes from a garden at a nearby farm… all grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. I also purchased a dozen duck eggs and dry heirloom soup beans. I see ducks in my future… I've put in my order for ducklings in the spring to add to our chickens that we presently have. 

Within a one-hour timespan, the Brussels sprouts went from the garden to our plates using a recipe I received from the Crow Wing Food Co-op in yesterday's email. 

Brussels sprouts, that resemble mini cabbages, "are among the healthiest produce on the planet, rich in fiber, folates, and phytochemicals, among other nutrients." Source: The Well-Seasoned Cook

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries

(I cut all quantities in half.)

1 lb. (2 cups) Brussels sprouts, rinsed and trimmed

1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans

3 tbsp unsalted butter (I used cold-pressed olive oil.)

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

½ c. coarsely chopped dried cranberries

Slice the Brussels sprouts using the thinnest slicing disk of a food processor or slice thinly with a knife or mandoline. Set a 10-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the pecans. Cook, stirring continually, until the pecans darken in color and begin to give off a toasted aroma, approx. 2 min. Add the butter (or olive oil) to the pan and stir to combine. Once the butter has melted (or olive oil has heated… caution: olive oil requires lower cooking temp), add the Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper. Saute until the color brightens and the sprouts are just tender, approx. 6 min. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cranberries. Toss and serve.

Note: This recipe is worth tweaking a little. I thought some coriander might be nice, then, as I was perusing the web to see what seasoning worked well with Brussels sprouts along with salt and pepper, there it was… For 2 c. Brussels sprouts, season with 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. I didn’t happen to have any coriander, though, so I can’t say whether it would complement the dish or not. I just know that it needs a little something. Let me know if you make it and hit upon the right seasoning.

Feb. 11, 2009

Today's mileage: 2 mile walk 

Total monthly mileage: 30.5 miles

Bible reading? Ummmmm… yea.