Another grocery trip, another Brussels sprouts stalk. I can’t help myself.
I’m finding myself more and more into seasonal eating these days – it just feels right. And the winter months can make that a little tough, because there isn’t much fresh green stuff in season. But that good news is that there ARE some delicious seasonal winter fruits and vegetables – things like Brussels sprouts, apples, and pears.
Cinnamon Cider Brussels Sprouts with Apples & Pears
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts
- 1 large apple
- 1 large Asian pear
- 1 cup cider or juice (apple or pear)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- salt (to taste)
To Prepare: We’ll start these the same way we did last time. Cut the sprouts off the stalk, remove the woody ends, and slice each one in half. Place face down in a large pan and cook over medium high heat.
While the brussels cook and start to brown, cut the apple and pear into bite sized pieces. This recipe is a great way to make use of all the leftover fruit from holiday gatherings and fruit baskets!
After about ten minutes, the bottom side if the sprouts should be starting to brown. Go ahead and give them a quick stir.
At this point add the apples and pears, and stir to distribute them throughout the pan. Let them cook for about 5 minutes so that they start to get soft.
Time to add the special sauce. The key to this recipe is the CIDER! I use delicious pear cinnamon cider from Trader Joe’s, but you can use whatever flavors of cider you can find near you.
Pour about 1 cup of cider over the pan, and let it simmer.
Sprinkle 1/2 tsp cinnamon over the sprouts and fruits, and give a quick stir.
Now let the stove do it’s thing. The cider mixture should simmer and bubble until ALL the liquid has cooked away. Cooking off the liquid greatly intensifies the flavor, and produces a delicious concentrated cidery glaze on the fruits and sprouts.
Amen.
This recipe is healthy, hearty, and festive – perfect for a holiday dinner or gathering.
Looks good. Tastes good. Makes you feel good. That’s what it’s all about, right?
Enjoy!
90 Comments so far
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Brussel sprouts are my absolute favorite. I love learning new ways of preparing them!
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Yet another reason to curse not having a Trader Joe’s nearby… that cider sounds like magic. This recipe is lovely!!
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I feel so bad posting the TJ’s stuff sometimes – I’m sorry! I promise you it will still be good with plain old apple cider. :)
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Christin@purplebirdblog Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Hehehe, my sister lives relatively close to one so on occasion I am able to talk her into sending me things! :)
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I made cinnamon brussel sprouts the other day with coconut oil and oh man, who would have known cinnamon goes so well with brussels? I need to try your version too.
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Love it! I have been using cinnamon a lot lately! Besides the fact that it helps regulate blood sugar… I just find that a little cinnamon can eliminate the need for salt or sugar!
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Emily – why are almost all of your posts about recipes lately? I miss when you used to write about your life, it was a lot more relatable. I used to love your blog, but most of your recipes are totally unreasonable for the general population.
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Hi Melissa. I’m sorry you don’t like the recipes! :( And I don’t agree with you that they are unreasonable for the general population – in fact, I think they are very simple and usually made with things people can find in their own kitchens. I went to culinary school to be able to write and teach about cooking – that’s what I’m doing here. I still write about my life all the time, like for example in the previous three posts. The format of my site is a mixture of cooking, life, and activity (obviously less of that now that I’m injured). I actually enjoy the fact that my blog provides a slightly different format than many others.
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Melissa Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Okay!I dont want to be insulting at all, just curious why it seemed like things had changed slightly in the last month or so. Have a great afternoon :)
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Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Melissa – I’m curious, how is this recipe “unreasonable for the general population”? By my count it has 6 ingredients, 2 of which are spices, which most everyone always has on had. It isn’t complicated, or expensive… ?
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A friendly reader! Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Amen! And also, last time I checked, people’s blog content didn’t need to be controlled by snarky comments. Happy days!
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Eileen Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Agreed!! Keep the snarky comments to yourself….Melissa was it?
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This sounds like a great way to enjoy brussels sprouts. I agree seasonal eating! :)
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Looks fantastic! I’m going to have to snag some of that juice from TJ’s.
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Yep I will be trying this very soon! Yum. I’m also getting more into seasonal eating–fresher is better for sure.
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Looks delicious! I have everything to make this but the sprouts. Looks like a stop at TJ’s after work is in order… lookout wallet! (Like you, I go in for one or two things, and come out with a basket full!). :)
~
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
It’s so dangerous!
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Emily I just LOVE your blog. It has really inspired me to start focusing on my health. I discovered your blog about a week ago, and since then, found a family doctor in my new city, made an appointment for a physical (which, I’m ashamed to say, I haven’t had one in years…), made appointments to see a dietician, and signed up for “booty camp” that begins in the New Year. Oh, and I’ll be making this receipe for my family Christmas!
Thanks so much!
Holly
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Hi Holly! That is awesome – congrats to you for taking such good care of yourself. :)
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A cider glaze? yes please!! Looks delicious, very festive :)
Heidi xo
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holy fantastic!! What a great idea :)
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those look so good! It’s really too bad sprouts have such a bad rep because I can never convince my family to eat them! Oh and I was scrolling through comments and found one from a different Melissa. I also disagree, and find your blog to be a great mix of life and food. This is always the site I come to for *simple* recipes!
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Thanks Melissa – glad to hear it! :) I try my best to keep the food approachable.
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I really like this recipe. Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorite veggies and I love your focus on seasonal produce. I never considered myself a seasonal produce eater until I realized I am a sale hunter and therefore a seasonal produce eater (since the veggies on sale are usually seasonal). Thank you for the recipe, I would never have paired these ingredients!
ps: I am looking forward to reading about you training for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler ;)
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Exactly – the seasonal stuff is usually the cheapest too! Ever bought tomatoes in December? Tastes like mush and costs like $6 a pound. Insane.
There will definitely be training talk – SOON! :)
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Yum! Anything cooked with cider is delicious. Have you read the book The 3 Season Diet? It’s an Ayurvedic approach about eating what’s in season! Some great tips.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/183-5801626-1211614?a=0609805436
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Cool – I haven’t heard of that! Thanks!
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I had brussels sprouts last night and left over in my salad today! I love them! These look delicious!
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I love this recipe. I think I’m going to make it for our first Christmas coming up on this Sunday. I’m in charge of the vegetarian dishes and I love brussels sprouts. I think it’s time the family jumped on board. Thanks for sharing!
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This recipe looks delicious. I’ve never seen a bs recipe with fruit in it! I can’t wait to try this out!
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
It’s such a great combo – I love it!
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I don’t usually like brussel sprouts but this recipe looks really good! :)
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Two of my favorite things- I can’t wait to try this!
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Yum! I have been looking for a reason to try that pear cinnamon cider and I think you just gave it to me :) I’m going to summon the courage to tackle my sprouts stalk tonight I think!
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I tried brussel sprouts a few weeks ago for the first time and loved them. Now looking for ways to fix them, so thanks!!!
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Yummy. When I was little, Brussels used to make me gag; now I LOVE them. Just wondering: do you put any oil in the pan before you add the brussel sprouts?
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I didn’t because I used a non-stick pan, but if you use stainless you’ll definitely want a little oil.
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mmm, it looks so good!
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pear cinnamon cider….delish!
and with the brussles, oh, this is MY KIND of meal!! veggies (I love brus sprouts big time!) plus sweet-ish, cinnamon, no onions or garlic (not a fan of those). Plus fruit. Seriously I plan to make this once Im back in the U.S.!
:)
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and I just saw your comment reply to me on the Wrightsville Beach/Topsail Island commonality…girl. I partied SO MANY TIMES on Topsail and all those divey little bars..and on Wrightsville, too. Or Carolina Beach, ever go down there? haha! Oh, the memories. :)
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Interesting combination. Would have never thought of putting brussel sprouts with fruit, or even cinnamon together. Must try it.
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I realive this is completely off topic and out of the blue, but I remember you having a box hair color issue over the holidays. ;) I live my “corporate life” as a director at a hair school. I wanted to let you know there is a product by Sebastian called Cellophanes. Whenever you are having a dull hair period you can use it. It deposits a clear glaze on your hair like color. Think of it as lip gloss for your hair. =)
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Awesome – thanks Erin! I hate when my hair feels dull and flat. I’ll look for that next time!
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Yum! This looks great. I’m heading to a potluck tomorrow and may have to try this for a side dish!
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I recently started eating Brussels sprouts so I can’t wait to try this! :)
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That looks so good! I just have one question and I apologize if it should be obvious. What about protein? Did/would you have this some some quinoa or something? Thanks for your time!
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Hi Kelly! It’s really more of a side dish than a meal. You could pair it with tofu, quinoa, or another protein of your choice. Hope you like it!
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Oh my gosh, these sound delicious!!! Thanks for sharing :)
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i just bought that cider last weekend at tj’s! it is SO good. have you tried it warm? oh my goodness….so amazing!!
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You are definitely making this for Christmas Eve!
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I too LOVE the brussel sprout stalks, and I just cannot resist grabbing one every time I see them at TJ’s.
I made your Asian glazed version last week, and they were AMAZING! Yum :)
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this looks delicious
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That looks SO GOOD!
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Emily,
Love your blog. Love your recipes. Even in my household of 4 where I am the primary veggie lover I find your recipes very reasonable and simply delish! I have been following you for 2.5 months and you are by far my FAVORITE blog. You rock girl! Keep it coming! : )
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Love. This. Recipe! Thanks for creating it for us!
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Yay! Another brussels sprouts recipe! I tried your previous version and they were very delicious. I love trying out your recipes because I don’t have to hunt the ingredients and you photograph each step ehich makes my cooking endeavors so easy. Thanks Em. :)
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We don’t have a Trader Joe’s here :( The closet one is in Nashville (2 hours away). Guess I need to make a trip to the Music City! It’s been over a year since I’ve been anyway :) Yet another yummy recipe! Thanks for sharing!
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Oh man, that looks deeee-lish! Too bad New Zealanders have no idea what cider is unless it has alcohol in it. I miss me some Trader Joes ;-)
That said, I love how you gave straightforward tips on how to cook this. I’m definitely making it – though I might have to use juice…
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Hi Emily.
This recipe looks great-can’t wait to try it.
Based on your training, can you recommend a good saute pan?
Thanks so much!
Ann
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Looks great as always, Emily! A suggestion for a future post… could you please consider writing a “how to” post on making vegetable stock? I always buy it in a can or carton to make soup, but hate how much sodium comes with the convenience. Just an idea!
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I just wanted to tell you that your blog is by far my favorite. Your recipes are fabulous, easy and delicious. I made the Pom/Cran/Fig Upside Down Cake for a work hoiday party and it was a great hit. Now I have been making the pumpkin cake part alone, delicious. Got on today and saw this recipe had everything back brussel sprouts. So naturally I got in the car drove to the store at 9 pm at night just for them. Simmering now for lunch tomorrow. Thanks again for such an inventive blog.
Leanne
Raleigh, NC
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Eating seasonally is really hard – I just want some light food some days!:) However, it is much cheaper!
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This looks AMAZING. Unfortunately my college dorm/meal plan isn’t conducive to seasonal produce or cooking in general.
Also, I was wondering if you could do a post or direct me towards help with weight loss. I know you have a health section, and I’ve read through that. You said you ate (or still eat?) 1500 calories a day… I can’t stick to eating 1500-1600 for more than a few days at a time, and I weigh 140 at 5’3″ and I’m working out for 40-60 minutes 5 days a week. I’m vegetarian, and I recently lost 22 pounds over the past year and a half, but I had a mindset about eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle, not dieting. I can’t seem to get back into that mindset. Your blog is inspiring, but I’m really having trouble getting into “normal” eating habits.
Any help you could offer would be sincerely appreciated. I love your recipes!
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I have been obsessed with brussels sprouts lately. I think they’ve moved way up on my favorite veggie list. Great to find lots of new recipes for them on your blog.
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I’ve never had sweet Brussels sprouts, so this intrigues me! I’m a bit obsessed with them lately so I think I’d like this a lot.
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Mmm, I love me some apple in my sprouts. I make mean maple- roasted brussel sprouts– the best!
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Ooooo… a new way to make sprouts?? I’m in! I also can’t resist them whenever they appear on the stalk!
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Mmm…I love, love, love brussels sprouts. And they’re so fun when they’re still on the stalk. They feel so fresh that way. :D
This recipe sounds awesome! I can’t wait to try it. :D
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Mmm…thanks for another terrific idea for sprouts! I also have a half gallon of local cider in my fridge that needs to be used. I think this weekend I’m going to make a bunch of apple cider pancakes/waffles to freeze so that I can use that stuff up.
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I always love a good new brussels sprouts recipe and of course, yours is simple and looks wonderful. There’s only so many times you can roast them before you go nuts, you know? :)
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This sounds good, and interesting! I’m working on my brussel sprout skills. This sounds like a good start. It sounds like maybe the apples and cider offset the strong taste of the brussel sprouts? And, WOW, I’ve never seen a brussel sprout stalk, so cool!!
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I just bought some sprouts so thanks for a yummy recipe that I can use!
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Yum! I love that it’s all seasonal too :D
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I just bought the cinnamon pear cider and it is so good! I am actually going to try and make cider oatmeal with it tommorow, should be delish!
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What exactly is cider? I know what we have in the UK – it’s alcoholic and sold in the same way as beer – but I’m assuming that yours is different.
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Hi Emily, I know it’s “makeover” day (and you’re probably swamped) but I have a question…my CSA (bless their heart) has provided me with an abundance of turnips. And by abundance, I mean…”omg-exactly-how-much-stinky-veg-soup-can-one-person-eat?” plethora of said veg.
So do you think this recipe would work with diced turnips?
TIA!
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 16th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Hi Sue! Eeeeek, I don’t know. For some reason that sounds weird to me, but it might work. Turnips are a lot tougher, so they are going to take a LOT longer to cook than the sprouts, and they don’t cook quite as well using the saute method. But what you COULD do, is roast the turnips (cubed), and then just cook the apples and pears with the cider, and combine it all together once its cooked. I hope it works! :)
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Those look wonderful!
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You have created brussels sprout heaven! I am going to make this despite the protests I know I’ll get from the brussels sprout-haters at my table. Hey, maybe I’ll just eat all of it myself!
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Ummm I am making these right now! And the apartment smells amaaaaaazing! ;)
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Hi Emily. Ive been following your blog only about 3 weeks now. In that time, I have managed to try this recipe – twice. The first time I didn’t have the pear so I use cranberries and then cran-apple cider. It was very tart but we liked it. Tonight for Christmas eve I made the pear-apple version with apple juice and it was awesome. We loved it. And I think it was a nice festive thing for the holiday. Anyway, thanks for sharing it :) Merry Christmas!
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 30th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
I am so glad you liked the recipe! :)
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Made these today and used them as topping for a savory whole wheat pancake. Was very good!
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Hi Emily…..
Just “found” this most delicious looking recipe that I will be trying soon. I happen to have a Hard Pear Cider in the fridge right now…..would it work? Thanks!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 10th, 2011 at 10:15 am
Hi Nancy! This is a great recipe, I hope you like it! I think your cider would work just fine. Enjoy!
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Nancy Reply:
October 10th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Thanks so much for your reply. Our Farmers Market is Wednesday morning, so if fresh brussels sprouts are ready(or I’ll stop at my Giant Eagle Store)this will be on my dinner table that night.
Thanks again, I’m looking forward to preparing this dish for my family.
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I made these the other night and oh, my goodness, they were delicious! They will definately be on my Thanksgiving table this year!
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We made these as part of our Christmas dinner and my husband and I LOVED them! Yum!!! Thanks for the delicious recipe. :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
You are welcome! :)
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