Margaret here.
Long time reader, first time submitter…

Most people don’t like brussels sprouts. But they are the ones that have had a negative experience, or worse, have a friend or family member who had one. I say that is worse, because these people go on to tell you how awful and evil and disgusting, these green little wonders are, how they were forced to eat these stinky mushy brain-like veggies, and so on. The thing is, those people are wrong. AND the people who prepared the brussels sprouts for those poor victims are even more wrong.

The point I am trying to make here is that if done right, almost anything can be the best food you have ever tasted. Even my husband and children agree that “Hey, these are not nearly as bad as all that!” In fact, they rather like them…

METHOD

1. Slice the cleaned sprouts down the middle, vertically. Chop the shallots and garlic up fine.
2. Preheat your grill to medium high.
3. Once the grill is all set, carefully set the a griddle or a larger frying pan on the grill. Put the butter into the pan to melt. Do not let the butter start to burn. Place the sprouts, cut side down, in a single layer once the butter is completely melted. Then add the shallots and garlic over top.
4. When they are starting to caramelize it is time to turn the sprouts over, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and allow them to cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the enough stock to cover the bottom of the pan and up the sides of the sprouts a little, like ¹/₈-inch maximum, close the grill lid and let them simmer in the stock until the liquid is gone. They should be tender-crisp.
6. Serve these hot with more salt and pepper, gravy or a little sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

You can always use the side burner, or even do this on your stove if using the grill is not an option. Although the grill adds that hint of smokiness that makes this dish so good.

I hope you enjoy these little treasures. Remember, if they’re mushy or the kids don’t like them, you’re doin’ it wrong.

~Margaret