Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We popped into Cafe Crevier downtown and I finally got to try one of their burgers. It was thick and juicy and cooked to perfection. Love that the lettuce was shredded, and that the bun was toasted and slightly crispy. If you’re local, pop in and give them a try - don’t miss the fries!
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

November 12, 2009 · Narrative

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The babysitter was organizing and putting away my latest purchases from the farmer’s market this past weekend.  I love that she’s a neat freak.

“What is this?” she asked, peering suspiciously into a plastic bag on the counter.

“Brussels Sprouts.”

“No, thank you,” she said, as she wrinkled her nose.

“Have you ever had them?” I asked her.

“No.”

“Good, then you’ll be having them this week with us.”  Sometimes it feels like I have three kids, instead of two, but there is always room for one more.

Truth be told, I haven’t had brussels sprouts myself since I was a kid and my mom was doing all the cooking.  I reacted then just as the babysitter did, wrinkling my nose in disgust.  I’m pretty sure my mom was the only one of us eating them back then.

I can’t even explain why I bought them this weekend.  For some reason, they just spoke to me.  I wanted to give them another chance.  Just like with the kids … just because I didn’t like something back then doesn’t mean that I won’t like something now.  Tastes change.  They get more developed.  Or more narrowed.  They evolve.  You get more open to new things.  More willing to try.  And this time, it was brussels sprouts.

The planets must have aligned just right, because since I bought them on Sunday, I came across three recipes for them. without even looking, each one looking better than the one before.  Tonight, Nick saw me cutting them up on the cutting board, and asked what they were.  I got pretty much the same reaction as I did from the babysitter.  “But you just have to try one.  If you don’t like it, that’s ok.  But then you’ll know you don’t like it, instead of maybe missing out on something you might love.”  He nodded, though rolled his eyes along with it.

Do you think that serving brussels sprouts and steamed broccoli alongside macaroni and cheese lessens the guilt?  I’m pretty sure it does, because with all that green on the platter, I wasn’t feeling any guilt at all.

I told Nick that when I was his age, I didn’t like them either, and I decided to try them again.  Tonight.  With him.  He watched as I took a bite.  Hey.  They’re not half bad!  Maybe it was the garlic.  Or the butter.  I’m pretty sure adding garlic and butter to most things makes them much more palatable.  Well, probably not to liver (blech!), but quite a few things are definitely improved with butter and garlic.

“Hey, I like them!” he exclaimed after the first bite he took.  He had carefully peeled off a leaf and tried it with great trepidation.

“See?  And if you take a bite of macaroni with the brussels sprouts, you might like it even more.”

He tried that and managed to eat one whole brussels sprout.  Along with the V8 juice he drank, I can live with that.

Madeline?  Had several.  She’s pretty easygoing though.  So far, potatoes are the only thing she absolutely refuses to eat.  And for the babysitter, she gets her first bite at lunch tomorrow.  Lucky thing.

Brussels sprouts.  Who knew?  Try ’em.  They just may surprise you too.

Two years ago today … New England Clam Chowder, perfect for our chilly Fall nights.
Three years ago today … a delicious French bread pizza from Rachael Ray.
Four years ago today … Nick’s date night.

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Recipe courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens, November 2009

2 lb. Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
1 Tbsp. rice oil or olive oil
7 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. butter
1/2 bunch fresh thyme (about 10 sprigs)
1 large sprig fresh rosemary, halved
2 tsp. fennel seeds
1-1/4 tsp. kosher salt or 1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sherry or white wine vinegar

1. In a large saucepan cook Brussels sprouts, uncovered, in enough lightly salted boiling water to cover for 3 minutes; drain well. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Place a very large heavy skillet or sauté pan over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add oil and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add half the butter. Increase heat to medium-high; carefully arrange half the sprouts, cut-sides down, in the hot skillet. Top with half the thyme, rosemary, fennel seeds, and salt. Cook, uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes or until the sprouts are well-browned. Remove sprouts from pan. Repeat with remaining butter, sprouts, thyme, rosemary, fennel seeds, and salt.

3. Return all sprouts to skillet along with sherry. Quickly toss to distribute flavors. Makes 8 (1/2-cup) servings plus leftovers.

4. Make Ahead: Step 1 may be done 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate the well-drained Brussels sprouts.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Comments

  1. Claire says

    November 12, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    I used to not like brussels sprouts but now…mmmm! There are very few vegetables that I do not like. I’ve never made them fresh but the frozen ones work for me.

    Reply
  2. Madeline says

    November 13, 2009 at 12:00 am

    In case they have them next week at the market, try this recipe and tell me if it is any good: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-recipe/index.html. I am tempted to make it every Thanksgiving or Christmas, but I just can’t pull the trigger. It gets 5 stars with over 126 review on the website, so it has to be good, right?

    Reply
  3. Joanne says

    November 13, 2009 at 7:15 am

    It is so funny that the only vegetable Madeline won’t eat is potatoes. Which is the only vegetable that most people WILL eat!

    I didn’t like most vegetables growing up but that was mainly for lack of trying them,. I love Brussels Sprouts now! They are like bite-sized cabbages and anything in mini form just seems like so much fun!

    Reply
  4. Ramona says

    November 13, 2009 at 9:49 am

    I live brussel sprouts. I was wondering if you had bought any after seeing them in your weekend pictures. Glad you did.

    I like to put them in my butter beans when I boil them. Not very fancy, but I like them that way.

    Reply
  5. Michele says

    November 13, 2009 at 10:56 am

    Sounds like you’re telling my story. I never tasted them but as a child I always turned my nose up at a mention of them even though I don’t recall my mom making them. I do remember talking about them. Lately I’ve wanted to try them to because pretty much everything I eat now I didn’t eat when I was a child. I was a very picky eater and thankfully grew out of it. I watched RR make a pasta dish with brussels sprouts this week and I really want to try it.

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    November 13, 2009 at 11:19 am

    There are many things that I wouldn’t eat when I was a kid but definitely eat them now! Brussel sprouts is one of them. Yours look great……

    Reply
  7. Sarah Caron says

    November 13, 2009 at 11:36 am

    My mother never liked Brussels sprouts, so I didn’t eat them until I was an adult and I fell instantly in love. When she gave them a chance a couple years ago, she did too. Our fav is my recipe for Brussels sprouts with lemon vinaigrette — so tasty. We are also a big fan of oven roasted ones with bacon and shallots. Mmm.

    Reply
  8. Tracy says

    November 13, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Check out food52.com–they had a contest last week (or maybe it was the week before) to submit “Your Best Brussels Sprout Recipe”–lots to choose from there! I heart them, myself…

    Reply
  9. Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says

    November 13, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    I need to make the brussels sprouts for my daughter – haven’t tried yet!

    Reply
  10. Ashley says

    November 13, 2009 at 10:19 pm

    These look great! I was afraid of brussels sprouts for a long time, too, but now I adore them (although I prefer to eat them at restaurants so my house doesn’t stink like sulfur for a few days haha).

    Reply
  11. Barbara says

    November 14, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    I make a recipe somewhat like this but mine has proscuitto and Parmesan in it. My family demands it every holiday. We LOVE brussel sprouts. Your recipe looks delicious and so much easier! I will make yours just for us.

    Reply
  12. Diane Smith says

    November 14, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    We cut them in half and put them in the oven with some olive oil, salt and pepper and roast them at 400 until they are brown and crispy….they are delicious this way! You have to use fresh brussel sprouts though….not frozen like my husband did….;;;;;;

    Reply
  13. Patsy says

    November 14, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    I discovered brussels sprouts last winter… and found that I love them, too! will have to try your recipe as well… always looking for great ways to prepare them – just for fun and variety!

    Reply
  14. joe says

    November 16, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    Wowww.. This looks so good, thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  15. Micheal J Anderson says

    January 30, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    I didn’t try brussel sprouts until I met my wife and I was surprised that so many people didn’t like them!

    They are best cooked in to a meal though and if you make them in to a delicious recipe like this one with garlic, they are certainly worth trying.

    Reply

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Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef

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Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We popped into Cafe Crevier downtown and I finally got to try one of their burgers. It was thick and juicy and cooked to perfection. Love that the lettuce was shredded, and that the bun was toasted and slightly crispy. If you’re local, pop in and give them a try - don’t miss the fries!

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