brussels sprouts

[rm]

Patty likes brussels sprouts and buys them full on the stalk. Today she says that parents repeatedly pointed out this stalk to their children as she walked around town. So this is a little photo essay of life in our kitchen, because in this condition, they don't really fit in our fridge.

Step 1. Pose.



Step 2. Bend

Step 3. Break

Step 4. Twist

Step 5. Fold

Step 6. Pose

Comments

[therealycats.livejournal.com]

Ha, at first glance I thought that was the hat to a really odd Halloween costume.

[6-bleen-7.livejournal.com]

I thought it was a spinal column with a cabbage on top.

[therealycats.livejournal.com]

And see, THAT comment I read as "Spinal Tap" at first. Clearly my eyes aren't working tonight.

[moosesal.livejournal.com]

Wow. I've never seen them on the stalk before, just on my plate already cooked by someone else. *g* Very neat.

*wishes for foodie icon*

[ex-adarog.livejournal.com]

I second this comment.

[newsbean.livejournal.com]

I keep seeing those at the store. I really want to try them, but I have no idea how to prepare them! Do I cook them on the stalk? Is the stalk edible? Should I store them in the fridge (I'm guessing yes?)

They just look so neat and tasty!

[tenacious-snail.livejournal.com]

Yes, keep them on the stalk

Keep in mind that they are related to cabbage and to broccoli. Cook sorta like baby versions of the former, with the seasonin you'd use for the latter, and you will probably be fine. I tend to like them roasted or steams, with things like butter, garlic and veggie broth, or roasted along with leeks and drizzled with olive oil and a little balsamic.

[dipping_sauce]

You break them off the stalk, cut a shallow X in the base and then cook them how you'd cook broccoli.

[rm.livejournal.com]

Keep them on the stalk until it's cooking time. I don't think the stalk is edible (inside it looks all rough and like a tree), but I think they stay better if you leave them on 'til cooking. They last longer in the fridge and I dunno if the big leaves on top are edible. Patty knows more and may be able to help.

[humascot97.livejournal.com]

Step 1a: Match outfit to vegetable. It works better that way.

[contrarywise]

Ha, that totally looked like some sort of costume in the first pic!

I've never seen brussels sprouts on the stalk in stores, only in the ground and rarely at farmer's markets. They're my least favorite of the crucifers to eat, but they look cool when they're growing.

[lilacsigil.livejournal.com]

I've never seen them on the stalk! I had no idea! As it turns out, they are the only vegetable I actually don't like. Everything I thought I didn't like, as a child, turned out to be absolutely delicious when not eaten raw (my mother had some odd ideas).

[imaginarycircus.livejournal.com]

Brussels sprouts are delicious! Especially when braised in butter and garlic until they are carmelized.

[drfardook.livejournal.com]

I'll have to try that. My usual method is pan fried with pecans.

[imaginarycircus.livejournal.com]

It's from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I tend to swap out some of the butter for olive oil, because 4 TBS. of butter is kind of a lot. I also halve the sprouts.

[iterum.livejournal.com]

I do butter, garlic, AND pecans. It's win all around.

I have also used the stalks as nunchaku in a vegetable-themed supervillain photoshoot.

[klwalton.livejournal.com]

Caramelized is the key, whether done in a skillet or in the oven. You've inspired me to add pecans to the next batch. That sounds absolutely *delicious*.

(I love Brussels sprouts. I was one of those strange children who asked for them as a treat. I think my mother is still trying to figure that one out!)

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

At first glance, I thought she was wearing a Carmen Miranda style hat!

[editrx.livejournal.com]

OMG. I've never seen them on the stalk. The fact that you can get them that way in NYC and I can't in NH ... it's just wrong. :D

I ADORE brussels sprouts. Roasted. Mmmmmmm.

[rm.livejournal.com]

They're from a local farmers market. Some of the farms take them off the stalk, but they sell the whole stalk like that for just $3, so it's more fun.

[dandelion-diva.livejournal.com]

That was very informative, as I love brussels sprouts but had no idea what they looked like in their natural state. I kind of figured they didn't grow on a bush or a vine, but that was the extent of my knowledge.

Unless knowing that they're great steamed and dipped in butter counts. *Grin*

[woogledesigns.livejournal.com]

I like Patty's jumper and plant. I think patty is pretty!

[used_songs]

I love how Patty's sweater matches them so nicely. And after reading all of the cooking tips here, I may have to give them a try. I've had them once, in a diner, and didn't like them, but folks here have made them sound delicious.

[azurelunatic]

Cabbage armpits! How delightful!

[lolliejean.livejournal.com]

Livejournal, the great educator. I had no idea sprouts grew on stalks. Neato! Also I love this little glimpse into your domestic life. :)

[bodlon.livejournal.com]

Sprouts on the stalk look like something from space. This makes them infinitely cooler.

[00goddess.livejournal.com]

You are terribly cute.