food

«■fresh-picked

Brussels

sprouts

HOW TO BUY Straight-from-the-

stalk are freshest. Some stores have

whole stalks, but most often sprouts

are sold in bulk, removed from stalks.

Look for sprouts that are dark green,

compact, and firm. Small sprouts tend

to be sweeter.

HOW TO STORE Once off the stalk,

place sprouts in a plastic bag with a

paper towel in the bottom to absorb

moisture, and refrigerate up to 5 days.

HOW TO EAT Although ready to eat

after just 12 to 15 minutes of steaming,

sprouts can use a flavor boost. Try

them halved and browned in a skillet

with butter and a sprinkling of sea salt.

■

f l

TO O LS ' & ' T IP S ' FOR' EVERYONE' W H O ' LO VES ' TO ' ' EAT

produced by MAGGIE MEYER, ERIN SIMPSON, and MADISON MAYBERRY

198 DECEMBER 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

PHOTO: BLAINE MOATS; FOOD STYLING: DIANNA NOLIN