Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts

This is a recipe for Brussels sprouts that I made on Christmas Eve. Everyone in the family loved these sprouts except my son. He didn't like the fact that the sprouts were sweet. He really isn't supposed to eat any seeds so I left out the sesame seeds. I will make this recipe when he is not home.

Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts

2 (12 oz) packages of Brussels sprouts, halved
2 tbsps. honey
2 tbsp. Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. low-sodium teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp. sesame seeds

STEP 1 Set the Brussels sprouts in a large plastic container or resealable bag. Drizzle with honey, close container and shake to coat. Add the Thai sweet chili sauce and shake again. Finally, add apple cider vinegar and teriyaki sauce and shake until Brussels sprouts are completely coated.

STEP 2 Set coated Brussels sprouts in the bowl of a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked Brussels sprouts to a mixing bowl, reserving the liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker.

STEP 3 Set reserved cooking liquid in a small sauce pan and reduce over medium high heat, until a thick syrup forms. Stir frequently and take care not to scorch the sauce. When sauce is thickened, drizzle over the cooked Brussels sprouts, toss with sesame seeds, and serve.

Creamy Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup

This soup is from the December 2016 issue of People Magazine. The recipe was meant to be vegetarian but I used low sodium beef broth because I had it. I also had to add the salt, pepper and other spices because when I used low sodium broth, the soup was very bland. If you use full sodium broth, then leave out the salt. 

Creamy Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup

1 lb. Brussels sprouts

1 10 oz. bag frozen cauliflower florets

3 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. butter

½ cup diced white onions

2 cups vegetable/beef/chicken broth

1 cup 2% milk

1-1/2 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

bacon bits to garnish

STEP 1 Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Halve the Brussels sprouts. Arrange sprouts and cauliflower on a large sheet pan and drizzle with the olive oil. Roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway.

STEP 2 Meanwhile, melt butter in a large sauce pan and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add the broth and spices and then bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

STEP 3 Transfer one half of the roasted vegetables to the broth and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the remaining vegetables on the baking sheet to the oven to roast for another 5 minutes.

STEP 4 Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Remove from heat and stir in the milk and remaining roasted vegetables. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!