My family of origin is rather food-obsessed. Hence a recent dinner table conversation that ranged from an argument about the correct pronunciation of caramel (keh·ruh·muhl or kar·uh·muhl or kar·muhl) to the best way to cut Brussels sprouts. Naturally I piped up with my sprout recommendations, based on my latest column for Martha’s Vineyard magazine, A Sprout in Every Pan.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that halved Brussels sprouts, arranged cut-side down, work best for roasting, quartered Brussels sprouts are great for stir-fries, and slivered or sliced sprouts are perfect for sautés. You can even go all restauranty and separate Brussels sprouts leaves for a very gentle sauté or salad. I virtually never cook Brussels sprouts whole (nor do I boil them), as that’s asking for an overcooked exterior before the interior is tender. Here’s further reading on this geeky subject!
Along with that story, I offered up a favorite recipe of mine that can do double duty as a side dish or a light supper: Brussels Sprouts and Yukon Gold Potato Hash - with (optional) Parmesan Fried Eggs. There’s a lot to love about that recipe, but we’ve got even more Brussels sprouts inspiration on Cook the Vineyard, including some ideas for Thanksgiving: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Orange Balsamic Butter Sauce;
Warm Salad of Farro, Brussels Sprouts and Spinach with Cilantro and Peanut Vinaigrette;
Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Shiitakes, Tamari, and Garlic Chips;
and Mashed Yukon Gold Colcannon with Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Shallots.
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving ideas, see below. If you’d rather not think about the turkey holiday just yet, how 'bout making this delicious Beef Ragu with Bacon, Tomatoes and Mushrooms this weekend? I will tell you that the family consensus (yes, sometimes we agree) is that chuck roast is always the best choice for any kind of beef stew.
If that’s too much trouble, a Glazed Market Meatloaf With Feta and Farm Veggies would be nice for Friday night.
Maybe with a slice of Gruyere Potato Galette with Fall Herbs.
Or a few slices of Maple, Vanilla, and Cardamom Glazed Squash Rings. Though you could bookmark both of those recipes for Thanksgiving, too.
Just for fun, I’m going to make Curried Rice Pilaf with Peas, Crispy Shallots, Almonds, and Coconut for supper one of these nights, maybe with a sear-roasted halibut filet.
What about something for the football game or the World Series? (We have some Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fans in our crew.) Could be fun to make Homemade Pizza with Vineyard Toppings.
Or some fun snacks like Buffalo Cauliflower or Siu Mai (Chinese Dumplings)?
And definitely a batch of cookies — Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies I think.
Those will help with the whole Daylight Savings Time switcheroo, too. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep on Saturday night, and I’ll see you on Instagram @cookthevineyard. Be sure to follow us if you haven't already.
Thanksgiving Central
Visit Cook the Vineyard's Thanksgiving Central 2022 to find recipes, sources (including for fresh turkeys), places to pre-order Thanksgiving items to go, and restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner.
