Bubble and Squeak, Santa Cruz Style #StPatricksDayRecipe by @LeslieKarst

 

It's been rainy and cold here in Hilo, Hawai'i, so I can only imagine what the weather is like in other parts of the country right now. A good time for a hearty dish of the traditional British Isles dish of bubble and squeak, I say! Perhaps prepare a batch for St. Paddy's Day, which is just around the corner--the dish pairs perfectly with Guinness!

 

But in honor of my half-time home, Santa Cruz, CA, where my Sally Solari mysteries are set, this recipe employs Brussels sprouts instead of the traditional cabbage, as Santa Cruz County is one of the primary growing areas in the United States for the tiny crucifers. 

 

Lots of folks are not too fond of Brussels sprouts because they can be bitter. But if you get fresh ones and cook them properly, they’re not at all like those mushy balls you were forced to eat as a child growing up in the '50s and '60s (yes, I'm dating myself here)--they’re quite delicious. 

 

What follows is a method more than a recipe, because the amount you use for each ingredient isn't terribly important.  A good rule of thumb, though, is to use equal parts potatoes and sprouts--unless you decide not too. 😄

 

Start by pre-cooking however many Russet potatoes you want to use. Boil them as you would for mashed potatoes, but drain them while they're still slightly hard in the middle, as you'll be cooking them again. You can do this the day before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to make the rest of the dish.

Next, wash, trim, and cut in half the Brussels sprouts.

 

 

Cut the potatoes into bite-size slices and fry them over medium-high heat in whatever oil you like until brown and crispy, then season with salt and pepper. I seasoned mine also with garlic powder (not traditional in British Isles fare, but that’s the cook’s prerogative). They’d be even better fried in bacon fat, but I didn't have any on hand.

 

 

Set the potatoes aside, and next fry the sprouts in oil over medium-high heat, until they start to turn a golden brown.

 


 

Once the sprouts have browned, add a splash of water to the pan and continued sautéing until tender, and all the water has cooked away. (Add more water, if needed.)

 

 

Finish the sprouts with a few splashes of Balsamic vinegar (also not typically British or Irish, but very Santa Cruzian). 

 

The last step is dump the potatoes back into the pan, stir them together with the sprouts until warmed through, and season with more S&P, to taste. 

 

Cheers, mate!

 

 

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

 

Coming April 2!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery, book 1

available for pre-order here!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 

This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Advance praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

has been short-listed for the Lefty Award

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Also now available:

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

(available for purchase here)

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-

All of the Sally Solari Mysteries are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.