Brussels Sprouts Recipes

This week was a long one. Between house hunting, work and parenting, the hubs and I feel a little worn. That's okay though. It's all part of life, right? I'm a firm believer that going through difficult times can make you a better person. Sure, I need frequent reminding, but I know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Sometimes we have to look at the big picture when it comes to food too. For example, I'm sure you could name a few veggies you'd rather not associate with. Maybe your mom made them one too many times as a child. Or maybe you're not quite sure how to prepare them in a way that would make them more appealing. 

This week a friend asked me for brussels sprouts recipes so that her, her husband and her kids would enjoy them more. I don't know about you but brussels sprouts are one vegetable that - at least growing up - I could not stomach. No chance, no way. They were in my mind the equivalent to dirt. Now I know how nutritious they are and that they're actually quite tasty when prepared well. 

Here are a few brussels sprouts recipes my family really enjoys:

Brussels Srouts with Bacon (I use turkey bacon or a little pancetta)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash and Cranberries 

In general, I like roasting veggies because it gives flavor without additional salt or fat. I also like to season with a variety of things like salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, sauteed shallots or garlic, chicken broth, and a little pancetta or turkey bacon (usually not all at once, but that depends on the kind of day I'm having).

In terms of children eating their vegetables, I'll give you the scoop on what really happens at my house. Even a dietitians child doesn't always eat his vegetables. Case in point: 

Plate before serving:

Plate after serving:

My philosophy in getting children to eat their veggies (I know, I've said this before) is to provide vegetables consistently with meals and snacks, offer a variety of choices and provide gentle encouragement. If they refuse - and they will refuse at least sometimes - encourage them to eat veggies, allow them to see you eating your veggies and do this consistently throughout their childhood.

Will is generally a pretty good vegetable eater, so I feel okay if he has a few meals here and there where the veggies aren't eaten fully. That's life.

Do you have any good brussels sprouts recipes or tips on how you get your kids to eat their veggies?