Getting ready to make our next ascent (overlooked vegetables part 3)

Apparently no one likes Brussels sprouts. A survey in Britain, in 2002, ranked Brussels sprouts the most hated vegetable on that Emerald Isle. Again, I rack this up to a bad childhood experience, perhaps in a parochial school, involving nuns, rulers and detention but I digress. Brussels sprout taste awful overcooked - they release sulfur like compounds much like over cooked broccoli or cabbage (both crucifous cousins.)

I love Brussels sprouts and was looking for some fun quotes about them and found this, "the Brussels sprout is a fiber-rich nutritional powerhouse, practically throbbing with Vitamins C, A and foliates." Not to be obscene, but I don't want my food to be throbbing in my mouth while I eat (alright give yourselves a moment to giggle like naughty school girls - he said throbbing.)

This is a sure fired way to cook Brussels sprouts that everyone will love.

Roasted Brussels sprouts


Ingredients

* 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (you want to use canola - good for you)
* 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Tools

* Sharp utility knife
* Cutting board
* One gallon sized storage bag (what ever brand is near and dear to your heart)
* Tongs
* baking tray
* CD (preferably Turnstiles by Billy Joel)


Directions

Preheat oven to 400° F.

Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove and discard any discolored outer leaves. Slice them vertically through the root end. Put them in a gallon storage bag with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Shake until well coated.

Start the CD.

Spread them on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Sing along with Billy Joel - Oh baby, all you wanna do is dance. Shake the pan at the end of every cut for even browning.

At the end of New York State of Mind (about 17 minutes into cooking), check the sprouts - reduce heat if necessary to prevent burning. Your mind will probably wander back to seeing Billy Joel play this song just after 9/11 on the 'America: A Tribute to Heroes' concert.

OK, back to the sprouts.

The brussels sprouts need to roast for 35 to 40 minutes - Miami 2017 will have ended.

Brussels sprouts should be darkest brown, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Sprinkle with more kosher salt and serve.

No alcohol was involved in this recipe.