Eat Your Sprouts!

Brussels Sprouts?!

Many people probably have had the challenge of getting down Brussels sprouts sometime in their life. Most of the time, they are not tasty, but if you add in some bacon...maybe some caramelized onions...I think things will change :) Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to have in your diet since they are chock full of vitamins and nutrients that we need, and during the winter season, that is when you want to get them in!

 



Ingredients:

1lb Brussels Sprouts, ends chopped and cut into 1/4's, remove any tough leaves
6 Pieces Bacon, cut into bite size pieces
1 Shallot, cut in half and thinly sliced
Balsamic Vinegar
Sea Salt and Ground Pepper

1. In a large skillet, place the pieces of bacon and cook out over medium heat. Once the bacon gets crispy, remove and drain on a paper towel, set aside.
2. In the same pan with the bacon fat, turn the heat to high, and place the pieces of Brussels sprouts evenly over the pan in a single layer preferably. Allow the sprouts to cook for 3 minutes before starting to toss them and continue to toss them in the pan until they become tender and appear caramelized. The length of time will vary depending on the size of the sprouts. If they are on the larger side, after a few minutes, you can add in a 1/2 cup of water to help steam the sprouts to become tender. Remove the sprouts from the pan and set aside.
3. Add in a touch of coconut oil or reserved bacon fat if you have it and toss in the shallots for about 2 minutes until they become soft. Add in a tablespoon of 2 tablespoons of balsamic and cook until most of the liquid is gone. Add in the sprouts and bacon and toss thoroughly together. Season with salt and pepper and you're done!

NOTE* If you want to add a little sweetness, only add in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and then add in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup!

Awesome Asparagus

A is for ASPARAGUS

We are in the tail end of asparagus season, so hopefully you have all enjoyed this tasty and versatile veggie already. Asparagus is a great side dish to any meal in the spring and summer season (even if it makes your pee smell funny LOL). One of the best, and quickest ways is grilling it up on the good ol' bbq - keep it simple and enjoy one of the great flavours of Ontario.

Ingredients

1 Bunch Fresh Ontario Asparagus
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Lemon or Balsamic Vinegar (optional)

1. Cut 1-2" off the bottom of the asparagus - this part if inedible, it is too tough and fibrous to eat.
2. In a bowl, toss the asparagus spears lightly in olive oil, add a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Place asparagus on the grill on medium-high heat with the lid closed. Make sure to turn the asparagus occasionally to cook it evenly. It is done once a charred look is achieved. This takes about 5-6 minutes.
4. Remove from grill and dress it with freshly squeezed lemon, or even drizzle with balsamic.
5. Enjoy it on the side of a nice juicy grilled steak.

BONUS!

Amp up your asparagus, by grilling it wrapped in bacon! Follow the method as above, but before grilling, take a half slice of bacon and wrap the asparagus spear in a spiral starting at the top below the flower tip. Then grill it on a BBQ friendly aluminum foil pan for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. This is a great summer party appetizer - quick, easy, and tasty!