Happy Dance – Maple Roasted Apples & Brussels Recipe

I did a little happy dance in the elevator when I got back to my hotel last week in New York City. Truly one of those days when everything aligned and not only was I in the right place at the right time but I was surrounded by the right people – all of whom are doing incredibly amazing things to change our world for the better.

People like Chef Sam Talbot, who offers up his amazingly delicious recipes in his cookbook The Sweet Life – diabetes without boundaries. I read this combination cookbook, guide and memoir from cover-to-cover on my flight home. It’s the perfect addition to every kitchen with flavorful recipes and a mindful approach to sugars (which we ALL need). One of my new favorites is Fish Tacos with Citrus Crema!

What I continue to witness in my own life – Lead with your heart and your dreams will manifest with surprising swiftness!

So today I’m sharing my Maple Roasted Apples and Brussels recipe because making delicious food healthy AND accessible is another reason I jump up and down, get excited, celebrate and yes, do a HAPPY DANCE. This is truly my passion! Get up and do a little Happy Dance in the kitchen for me! Dancing in the kitchen ALWAYS makes me smile:-)

Hungry from all that dancing?! Satisfy your hunger and boost your immunity with these deliciously crispy, lightly sweet apples and Brussels sprouts.

When I serve my Maple Roasted Apples and Brussels recipe I often have people pull me aside to tell me that they have NEVER enjoyed Brussels sprouts before! That’s truly a shame as these seasonal gems are high in soluble fiber and Vitamin C low and in calories, immune and have been shown to lower cholesterol, improve digestion and prevent inflammation.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the apples and the dried figs add a hint of caramel-like gooey goodness. Enjoy these as an easy weeknight vegetable side, festive Fall potluck dish or as a welcome addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

When was the last time YOU felt so happy that you just had to get up and dance? I hope you’ll share with us in the comments below!

 

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MAPLE ROASTED APPLES AND BRUSSELS

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ lbs. Brussels sprouts, washed, chopped into quarters

• 5-7 apples, washed and chopped into 1-2” chunks (we used an assortment of apples from our local Farmer’s Market)

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or ghee

• 1/2 teaspoon lightly crushed fennel seeds

• 1 cup dried figs, chopped

• Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, to taste

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the sprouts. Boil, uncovered, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Add apples. Toss with vinegar, maple syrup, and oil or ghee and sprinkle with the fennel seeds. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Transfer to a 9 x 13” baking pan or a 2-quart baking dish. Arrange in a single layer.

5. Roast for 20 minutes.

6. Stir in the dried figs and roast another 10-15 minutes or until the sprouts are crispy.

7. Serve hot and ENJOY!

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2009-2012

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