Monday, November 3, 2014

Cranberry Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup



I was so excited to see fresh cranberries in the store that I promptly bought two bags and then had to figure out how to use them. I have no idea why this particular combination of ingredients possessed me, but I had to try. Maple seems like a natural with cranberries, and I had lovely Brussels sprouts just waiting to be cooked. 


Turns out it's a nice, very quick and easy side dish. Or, of you're like me, it could serve as lunch! It's sweet, so if you like your vegetables savory, this isn't for you. But if you're a cranberry lover like me, you might want to lick the sauce off the plate. Throw it together on a busy night. With only four ingredients, it's a snap!



Where can you go wrong? Don't burn the Brussels sprouts in the first phase. A little bit of browning is good, though. Don't forget to take off the lid in the final step so the sauce will thicken and the flavor will grow more intense.



Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

with Maple Syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil
8-10 Brussels sprouts
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup maple syrup

Wash Brussels sprouts, peeling off icky outer leaves. Cut in half. Over medium heat, add olive oil to a skillet. Add the Brussels sprouts, cover with a lid and cook about 5-6 minutes, shaking or turning occasionally. Turn heat down as necessary to prevent burning. Add the cranberries and cover. When the berries pop and there is some liquid in the bottom of the pan, add the maple syrup. Cook 3-4 minutes longer. Remove lid, and cook until the liquid has thickened. Stir before serving to glaze the Brussels sprouts with the sauce.





Coming December 2nd!

22 comments:

  1. Lovely--looks like a good choice for the upcoming holidays too!

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    1. That's what I thought, Lucy. A quick but festive side dish for busy days.

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  2. Wow! Who knew you could do this with Brussels sprouts? My daughter introduced me to a recipe that uses sugar, but this takes it to a whole new level. And I just happen to have all the ingredients on hand.

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    1. It's like I knew you had the ingredients, Sheila! LOL!

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  3. Now that is what I call "creative"! Well done.

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  4. Replies
    1. Thank you, Sue. The sun caught those berries!

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  5. Three of my favorite foods together----a must try recipe for me..

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    1. Wow! What are the odds? I hope you'll like it!

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  6. What an interesting combination! So pretty for the holidays, too.

    Daryl / Avery

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    1. The red and green are perfect for the holidays!

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  7. This is a terrific idea. I am not a fan of the sprouts and am looking for ways to change that. This should do the trick. Perfect for a holiday table!

    Hugs!

    MJ/VA

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    1. I don't know that this recipe will make you change your mind. They're still sprouts, after all, but if you love cranberries, maybe that will help!

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  8. My husband, the house chef, has a brussels sprouts recipe with balsamic vinegar, But BOY does this one look GREAT!!! Thank you!

    BTW, until i had sprouts in the balsamic reduction, I Thought I hated them. Live and learn!

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    1. Kath, now you have *me* drooling. I bet it would be even better with a splash of cherry or fig balsamic vinegar!

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    2. OOoh. Or Cranberry -Pear balsalmic! Thanks!

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    3. Kath! You have the best ideas. Must try!

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  9. I am a cranberry lover too! Cranberry and maple syrup is one of my favorite pairings. I love using them as toppings on waffles or french toast. Another favorite, cranberry pancakes with maple syrup and a little whip cream, yum. I just changed from Halloween decorations to Thanks Giving decorations, so I am starting to think about cranberries a bit more.

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    1. Margaret, whipped cream is practically a staple around here. But I've never tried cranberries on pancakes or French toast. Going to do that soon!

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  10. Count me in as a cranberry fan, too, along with those little cabbages known as Brussels sprouts. Looks like the perfect festive holiday side dish. Very creative, thanks for sharing, Krista, and have a delicious week...

    ~ Cleo

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    1. You, too, Cleo! Hope there are some cranberries in your life this week!

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