Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Growing up, I was never fed Brussel sprouts.  In fact, I didn't try Brussel sprouts until I was an adult.  My first experience with the vegetable was the Green Giant baby Brussel sprouts and butter sauce - and it was DELICIOUS.  Since that isn't so healthy for me, I decided to come up with my own version.  I make this recipe all the time and have converted people into Brussel sprout lovers with it.  My finicky eater of a mother had never tried Brussel sprouts before, so I made it for Thanksgiving and now she's obsessed!  She makes this dish all the time and made all of her friends try it too!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Ingredients:

1 stalk Brussel sprouts (or already off the stalk if that's how they sell them at your grocery store)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Your favorite seasonings or Italian seasoning blend

Salt and fresh ground pepper

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°.

2. Break the Brussel sprouts off of the stalk, wash, and cut in half.  Spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet. (funny: when I first typed this, I typed single "lawyer"... wonder what's on my mind)

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the Brussel sprouts and add in all of your seasonings, salt, and pepper.

4.  Toss to coat.  Make sure the veggies are spread out evenly in a single layer.

5. Stick them in the oven for about 45 minutes, depending on how "done" you like them.  I like mine crispy and crunchy and not the least bit soggy, so I cook them between 45-60 minutes. If you like them less crispy, keep them in the oven for 30-45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

Makes 3 BIG servings, each serving is:

Calories: 180

Carbs: 15

Fat: 11

Protein: 5

Fiber: 8

Sodium: 223

Zucchini "Fries" Recipe

I love zucchini fries.  There's this place in downtown LA that serves zucchini fries for happy hour and they are heavenly.  Since I can't really eat those any more, due to the distance and the diet, I decided to come up with my own healthier version.  I have to say, these turned out pretty awesome.  I served them to friends who aren't watching calories, and they actually said, "these are really good, especially for being healthy!"

Zucchini "Fries" Recipe

Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini

1 large egg white

2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Misto or other olive oil cooking spray

1/4 tsp garlic salt

Fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°.  

2. Chop the zucchini up into the size "fries" you want.

3.  Whisk the egg white in a bowl with the garlic salt and fresh ground pepper.  Pour the Panko into a ziploc bag.

4. Spray a baking sheet with your olive oil spray.  Coat the zucchini sticks in the egg white mixture, then place in the ziploc bag and shake bag to coat the sticks with Panko.  Place the breaded sticks on the baking sheet in a single layer.  Spray the tops of the breaded sticks as well.

5.  Bake for 20-25 minutes and serve hot with marinara sauce.

Nutritional Information:

Makes 4 servings, each serving is:

Calories: 92

Carbs: 14

Fat: 4

Protein: 4

Fiber: 3

Sodium: 161