Since veggies is in our blog name, I figured I better start writing about them! I believe there is nothing more important than vegetables and everyone should be eating 3 big whopping helpings a day (this is a big HINT as to my challenge to you below).
I prepare veggies a lot of different ways: steam, bake, saute, raw. I personally think lightly steaming or raw has absolutely the best nutritional value when eating veggies but since that can get boring, I try to steam once a day, usually eat raw veggies at lunch (like a highly nutritional salad) and get more creative for dinner. My latest obsession is brussels sprouts!!
First I have to preface this to say that I really disliked brussels sprouts as a child and didn’t start embracing them until about 5 years ago. Now the way I prepare them, I can eat them cold, warm and raw! In fact, Amélie and I compete over eating them. I realize I am shoveling them in my mouth (not the best way to eat) because I am afraid she will eat them all. She will say, “But Mom you got a whole one and I only got a half!” I stopped sharing a plate with her because I was feeling threatened!! So now we divvy them up and then we jokingly argue about how many she got on her plate vs me.
So here is a simple but easy way to prepare them:
- Preheat over to 350 degrees.
- Cut the ends off brussels sprouts (1lb), and then cut them in 1/2. Put in bowl.
- Cover them in extra virgin olive oil…not too much, not too little.
- Juice of a 1/4 of a lemon or more if you like that lemony flavor.
- Add 2 chopped shallots, 5-6 garlic cloves cut in 1/4’s (so kind of large garlic chunks), sea salt and pepper (you can also add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick).
- Stir all ingredients up in bowl then spread out in large baking pan.
- Cook 45 min to 1 hour until they start to slightly brown.
- Voila! Super simple and easy and delicious!
I will be posting a raw shaved brussels sprouts recipe that I had last month when I was in NY that is to die for. I even called the restaurant for the recipe!
I have a challenge and a question…
Do yourself a favor and up your veggie intake. I could (and probably will) write a whole piece on just how important veggies are (above all else) but try and add veggies to every meal. If you skip your vegetables for one meal, eat extra at your next meal. Lance never ate veggies as a child and in fact many people across the country consider french fries as a vegetable!
Lastly, I would love to hear what your favorite vegetables are and how you prepare them. I always love new ideas!
Love, Laughter and Veggies!
Nancy