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WEEK 11 - BLOG CHALLENGE - Brussels Sprouts!

Weeks ago when I was grocery shopping, I ran into a friend and when he saw the Brussels sprouts in my cart he said "Brussels sprouts - REALLY?" and I said "YES, I actually like them!!!" We roast them often with just oil and salt and pepper, so simple to make and so good for you. They are a great source of antioxidants and are high in fiber (10% of RDA) which is good for digestion. Now if only I could get my kids to like them!

They look like mini cabbages and they are part of the cabbage family. I think they look like mini 'brains' - which is interesting since they do help protect brain cells! According to the Alzheimers' association, cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage and collard greens) reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and protect brain cells due to their high antioxidant levels.

Brussels sprouts are also an excellent source of Vitamin K. Only 100g of brussel sprouts will give you 147% of your required daily allowance. Vitamin K supports bone health but also helps prevent Alzheimer's disease by limiting neuron damage in the brain.

Pastel Drawing

Brussels sprouts are interesting to draw since they are miniature cabbage forms, let they have distinct leaf patterns on the exterior. Leaves are realatively easy to draw flat, with their vein patterns, but to draw the veins onto a rounded form is what adds the depth. Once again in my arrangement I focused on 'odd numbers' and left some space between a few sprouts for more visual interest. The pale shadows help to anchor the Brussles sprouts down, while creating interesting shapes. The green colour ranged from light pale yellow to kelly green to a darker blue green.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon.docx

How to get started...
1) Introduce Brussels Sprouts into your diet this week. Use the recipe provided or find your own. Everyone loves bacon, so this is a great recipe for enticing the non-Brussels Sprouts lovers.

2) Brussels sprouts can be sliced in half to cook quicker, but also can be easily arranged to make a picture. Be creative with your slicing to see what picture you can make with your food. Don't forget you can peel off individual leaves and these leaves could also be used in the arrangement. Take a photo! Maybe get creative and 'press' some leaves in a book and let them dry out. Artists have created some very beautiful 'pressed' flower arrangements onto cards. Maybe this may inspire you.

Keep it simple and have fun and submit your 'creations' to me at lynnldallaire@gmail.com so I can track your progress for your prize!

Share your recipes on Facebook, or email them to me and I can share them too!