Did you say Brussels Sprouts?

I sure did! I think that many people are afraid of Brussels sprouts, because they are the quintessential vegetable hated by youth. I say, long live the Brussels sprouts!

I didn’t always enjoy these little wonders. I only recently took a liking for them when my aunt (a former Chef) prepared them for Thanksgiving a few years ago. She served them in a horse radish-cream sauce - heavenly! My rendetion is a little different.... I had a craving for gorgonzola and had some leftover pine nuts, so I decided to put my cooking skills to the test and landed on Roasted Brussels Sprouts with gorgonzola, toasted pine nuts and raisins.

Here is what you’ll need:

1/2 - 1 pound Brussels sprouts
1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola
1/4 cup plump raisins
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (you can buy them toasted or just toss them in a non-stick pan on low heat for about 5 minutes until just browned)
1 tbls. salt free butter
2-3 tbls. olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Pre-Heat Oven to 400 degrees

Cut off any stems, then lightly coat the sprouts in olive oil and a little salt and pepper. Place them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until just browned on the outside, tender on the inside. If you like them less tender like me, you may want to check them after about 25 minutes.

Once they are done, remove them from the pan immediately and place them in a bowl. While still hot, toss in butter, crumbled gorgonzola, raisins and pine nuts. Toss together until cheese has melted and then serve! Makes a great side dish, and will perhaps cure your fear of this friendly little vegetable.

Health Benefits:
Plant phytonutrients found in Brussels sprouts enhance the activity of the body's natural defense systems to protect against disease, including cancer. Scientists have found that sulforaphane, one of the powerful glucosinolate phytonutrients found in Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables, boosts the body's detoxification enzymes, potentially by altering gene expression, thus helping to clear potentially carcinogenic substances more quickly.