Healthy Endeavors: Developing Healthy Eating Habits for Life! » Brussels Sprouts

Healthy Shopping on a Saturday Morning

Wendy — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:12:45 +0000

It was a chilly 40-something degrees this morning but that didn’t stop me and my friend Marjorie from heading to the farmers’ market for some fresh fruit and veggies. I just can’t stand the cold and today was a serious reminder that chillier days are just around the corner. Buy there’s not much that can keep me from locally grown produce, especially because the days for the market are dwindling. So with hats and gloves on, and our recyclable grocery bags in hand, we perused the vendors, shopped and chatted.

In New Haven, City Seed organizes a number of farmers’ markets in different locations. I have a habit of alternating between the Saturday market in Wooster Square, a charming Italian neighborhood just a short walk from downtown, and the Sunday market in Edgewood Park, on the other side of town in Westville. I love the Saturday market because they have more vendors and variety and it’s a big social gathering. I almost always see people I know and have a chance to catch up. But the Sunday market is great too. It’s a bit more mellow and I love supporting Common Ground High School, one of the vendors. I’m on their board of directors and they have an amazing organic garden in which they grow produce for school lunches and to sell at the market.

Today I bought my favorite salad greens, eggplant for roasting, brussels sprouts, last of the corn on the cob for the season, carrots for soup, apples, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Check back later this week to hear more about the creations I’ll be making.

To be honest, I love going to the farmers’ market for multiple reasons:

I get inspired by the produce and what I can create (like my roasted carrot and parnsip soup that I’m whipping up)
I get to support local farmers and buy fresh, super-healthy food
I have a chance to hang out with Marjorie, my 70-something friend who’s wise and wonderful. We always laugh and have a great time and I can support her in accessing fresh food since she doesn’t drive (check out this past Tuesday’s blog post for more about Marjorie)
I get fresh air (even though today by fingers were almost numb by the time I got to the car!)

I don’t know about you but I can’t think of a better way to start off the weekend than with fresh air, good friends and locally grown, healthy food. If that doesn’t support a healthy lifestyle, I’m not sure what does.

Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Wendy — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 21:58:55 +0000

I found this recipe on the Food Network website and thought it sounded delicious. I embellished it a bit by drizzling on some pure maple syrup. Brussels sprouts have taken on a whole new meaning for me!Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 35-40minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves.
3. Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
4. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. Shake the pan from time

Food Focus: Brussels Sprouts

Wendy — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 21:49:35 +0000

I was in the health food store a few weeks ago and saw a beautiful display of fresh Brussels sprouts. I’ve never been particularly enamored with them, but at the same time, I know that they are full of important nutrients. So instead of completely ignoring them, I decided to be adventurous and give them another try. And good thing I did, they were simply delicious!A member of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap. Sometimes considered bitter or unappealing, these mini-cabbages are nutritional powerhouses. Packed with copious amounts of Vitamins C and K, as well as Vitamin A, folate, and fiber, the benefits can’t be overstated.

Brussels sprouts, like all cruciferous vegetables, play an important role in cancer prevention, helping to detoxify cells. From breast cancer to colon cancer, they contain vital antioxidants to help keep us healthy. In addition, they also contribute to healthy skin, protect against arthritis and aid in heart health.

How do you make Brussels sprouts appealing? Believe it or not, preparing Brussels sprouts is relatively quick and easy. Braising, boiling and roasting are simple techniques to use. Roasting, in particular, brings out the natural flavor and sweetness. Check out the following ultra-simple recipe and give them a try.