Brussels sprouts are small, leafy vegetables that resemble tiny cabbages. They date back as far as the early 1200s in none other than Brussels, Belgium. Brussels sprouts are a part of the cruciferous family, which also includes cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi. They are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, and dietary fiber and have even been linked to protecting against colon cancer!

Brussels sprouts have a hearty flavor and tend to go better with flavorful foods such as beef, sharp cheeses, or with stronger seasoned foods. They also make a tasty addition to soups, stews, and casseroles! To prepare Brussels sprouts for yourself, the first step is to remove the buds from the stalk. Next, cut away any excess pieces of stem and then peel and discard the surface leaves. Generally 6-7 minutes boiled or steamed is a long enough cooking time. Be very careful not to overcook your Brussels sprouts because then they will release a sulfur smelling compound, which is the reason why many people do not like them! A great tip to ensure even cooking throughout is to choose buds that are similar in size.