Was a time I was regularly writing about my thoughts and discoveries about food. Well, it’s been too long since then and I have plenty more to say.
So let me begin by saying how much I have been enjoying Brussel sprouts. Yes, that’s right, Brussel sprouts; which are among the most detested vegetables around. They are also, apparently “Brussels sprouts”, which makes no sense to me without an apostrophe.
I don’t know why folks hate them, though I suspect boarding school and English cooks have much to do with it.
I did not of course, go to boarding school but my dear late Mum, in good North Country English fashion cooked the bejesus out of them. I haven’t forgotten. The colour was daunting, to say the least. But I do know how to cook them and for the last couple of months greengrocers have been stocked with Brussel sprouts almost as big as my fist. And sweet and delicious.
The price of fruit and vegetables is another story. I am not surprised we have had our first case of scurvy in Australia since Captain Bligh was a boy. But with prices like these it’s easy to see why.
And today, $13.99 kg!
I am a big fan of the baby cabbage (Yes, I know they aren’t really) and have been thinking, now what will I have with the sprouts tonight? What carnivore does that?
Oh, now I’m supposed to advise you on how to cook them? Not too much.
That is all you need to know..steam them, I have been parboiling them then soaking them in a honey, soy, sherry marinade and finishing them in my grill pan.
So, get ‘em while you can. My next concern is asparagus.
Sadly unloved Brussels sprouts. Yes, myself and my goddaughter Lisa, just love Brussels sprouts. My father got me to eat Brussels sprouts when I was very young by sprinkling strong vinegar and a cracking black pepper. I love them this way and could eat a whole dish full.
With you there Denise!! But I will have to try that. Have to admit there’s not much I eat without cracked pepper.