Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Brussel sprouts: I am not a fan of you

Monday was a mindless eating day. I had chicken and quinoa for lunch, but work was slow later in the afternoon and I was in the mood to munch. I went to the grocery store and grabbed a bag of Garden of Eatin' blue corn tortilla chips and salsa. Let's just say that by the end of the day, the bottom of the bag was visible. Whoopsie. That night involved handfuls of sour Skittles and Milk Duds as my bf and I watched the first episode of Mad Men season three. (Next time the dude at Blockbuster tries to lure you with the candy/popcorn/soft drink deal, just say NO, hun!)  

Yesterday morning I woke up feeling a bit icky, but instead of beating myself up about my indulgences, I decided to start fresh. I needed veggies! I read lots of health blogs and it seems like everyone eats brussel sprouts. And not only eat them, they like, nay LOVE them.  I never liked the look of those suckers, and I've been procrastinating trying 'em for a long long time. So yesterday, I decided to take the plunge. I got a small order of brussel sprouts at Union Market near work to eat with the ham sandwich I had packed. What's the hype about these weird looking green balls? I was about to find out. 

I hesitantly took a bite of one, and as I chewed, I didn't like what I was tasting. Well, it didn't really taste like anything. The only thing I could focus on was the texture, which I am not even sure how to describe. These brussel sprouts were cooked in olive oil, so you'd think there'd be more flavor, but nope. I ate three more hoping my feelings would change, but it only solidified my initial opinion: I do NOT like brussel sprouts. And how the heck does anyone eat them steamed? I can't even imagine. I've also heard some people cook them in maple syrup, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of eating greens? 

I was hoping to add a new veggie to my diet, but for now I'll have to stick to the usual suspects: carrots, green beans, broccoli, salad, edamame, peppers. I've been eating more asparagus lately, too. What are YOUR favorite vegetables? And should I give brussel sprouts another chance? How should I cook them?

13 comments:

  1. YUCK...I've never had them and have no desire to try! I have heard they are good when roasted, but I don't believe that.

    Growing up, my mom always said how much she disliked brussel sprouts & beets so they are the only 2 vegetables I haven't tried. I am a huge fan of broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus, green beans, carrots, & all kinds of salad greens.

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  2. Try roasting and topping with coconut oil.

    I love spinach, red/green pepers, onions and turnips. I'm a lean mean roasting machine these days..and I used to hate veggies.

    Good on ya for trying something new!

    B

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  3. I loooovvvveee brussel sprouts girl! The best way to cook them is in the oven on a cookie sheet. The way I make them is to cut them in half, spread on a cookie sheet, olive oil, salt and pepper on top and then throw them in the oven for about 15 min. but you constantly have to shake/flip them since it is so hot. They come out a little burned looking, but they will melt in your mouth and instead of being soggy they are crispy. Try it or when you come to Lex next time, stop by Turkeyfoot Road and I'll make you some. Hope all is well!

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  4. Like Rachel, I am not a fan of either brussel sprouts or beets.

    I'm going to post a quick question on my blog related to this topic, but don't want to put all my naughty thoughts on someone else's site.

    Come visit my blog to see my question, and please feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

    ronald10021.blogspot.com

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  5. Ellen, i'm on the same page as you. I've tried to like brussel sprouts (me being a health educator by day and all) so far have been unsuccesfull. the last time i had them, i bought one of those steamfresh packs of them--GROSS! i'm willing to try them one more time, oven roasted with olive oil and LOTS of black pepper and probably some thyme and lemon juice. but that's just a thought i have yet to put in action...

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  6. Try roasting them...that is typically the only way I will eat them! My favorite vegetable is zucchini!! :) YUM!

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  7. I love broccoli! Cut it up, toss with salt, pepper, olive oil and stick it under the broiler. The take it out and put leon juice and paresan cheese on it - perfection!!

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  8. I'm actually scared to try brussel sprouts and I'm definitely not more likely to try them now. Yuck!! haliwoodsaywhat.blogspot.com

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  9. I have never tried them and I never will. Euww. I like a good potato!

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  10. Im not a huge B Sprouts fan but one of my friends absolutely loves um. so whenever they have me over and cook he loves the sprouts. he cuts them up pretty good and bakes them, not too bad. Like u said, not really tasty but good. he also puts bacon in there so that makes them exponentially better.

    I like most greens, asparagus is actually my fav. Makes my pee smell funny though, do any of you have that enzyme too?

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  11. brussel sprouts are one of my favorite foods!! try 'em how Jennifer said: just half them and toss 'em all in a pyrex with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I usually throw in garlic too (minced or just whole cloves) and let it all cook til it looks a little burn-looking. LOVE THEM!

    beets are another favorite food. roasted and served with basil and buratta...yum.

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  12. Aaaaahhhhh!..........Brussel Sprouts....yum!
    My favourite veg. Lightly steam them and then fry them with a little diced pancetta, only using the fat that comes out of the pancetta itself......pure nectar!!

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  13. Rachel, I actually thought I would HATE beets too, but I tried them and really liked them. I give 'em a shot.

    Thanks Barb and MLA, I'll give it ONE more try with your suggestions! And hey, Jennifer! I'll be home in KY at the end of the month...hopefully I'll see ya and we will be doing some DRINKING instead of brussel sprout eating ;)

    Ohh bacon, good call Flip.

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