Brussels Sprout "Popcorn"

Fresh Brussels Sprouts on the stalk

Who doesn't love popcorn? When our kids come home (be it in Sweden or Santa Fe), popcorn is a given. We are defintiely not a "share-one- bowl" family – nope; everyone gets a bowl of their own, filled to the brim. Dad is the master of popcorn popping (I'll share his secrets with you someday). Our daughter calls his popcorn "PPP" – Papa's Perfect Popcorn. She also calls his homemade pesto "PPP" – Papa's Perfect Pesto –  don't know if she can really be trusted in her culinary evaluations as these are the only two "dishes" he's ever made. Joking aside (and in his defense), he makes a killer muesli mix (and the Pigtailed Baker tends to hog the kitchen)!

This "green popcorn", however, is something altogether different, wonderful and healthy! And easy! Did I mention easy? All you need is an oven, olive oil, salt and your favorite herbs/spices. 

I love finding a fresh stalk of brussels sprouts but the buds work just as well in this very simple recipe. 

Photo: Hannah Skalleberg, my lovely, multitalented niece – http://www.hannahswede.com/

Ingredients:

One fresh stalk of brussels sprouts (or one lb. buds)

3 TBS. olive oil

salt, pepper to taste

Your favorite herbs/spices  

Optional topping (but oh so good):  Nutritional Yeast (tastes cheesy and savory and it's dairy free!)

Preheat the oven at 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place stalk or buds on the foil and cover with olive oil. Add salt, pepper and your favorite herbs/spices. I love "Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend", a combination of sesame seeds, garlic, onion and poppy seeds. Bake for 45 minutes or until the buds look crispy and delightfully brown. You may need to turn the stalk/shake the pan every now and then as to avoid burning. 

Let cool and then remove the buds (if using the stalk) with a pair of kitchen shears. Sprinkle with Nutritional Yeast.

Find a comfy spot on the sofa, tune in to your favorite movie channel and munch!