I have had this recipe half-typed in my post editor the entire day. For something so simple with literally five ingredients, you’d never think it would take so long to publish! Enter this guy. Grouchy McGroucherson.
It appears that the only way I can get much done today is with a baby passed out on my chest, and my fingers stretched as far as they can go to the keyboard. There are worse ways to work though…
So anyways like I was saying, I have this simple recipe I wanted to share. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a huge green bean casserole girl. If Thanksgiving was totally up to me, it’s very likely that my entire meal would consist of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. But since it’s good to have a little diversity and color on the plate, I try to make sure there is a little green in there each year.
Instead of green beans, this year we’ll be serving up Brussels sprouts. Don’t tell me you don’t like them if you haven’t tried them since you were ten. I promise they are delicious and have a totally bad rep for no reason.
This recipe is ridiculously simple and straight forward. The sprouts don’t need much – just a hint of sweet and sour to bring out their naturally delicious flavor. This is a quick and easy but tasty addition to your holiday table.
Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by trimming Brussels sprouts – cut the woody end off the bottom, and slice in half. Place in a single layer (if possible) in a large sauté pan.
Cook over medium high heat until sprouts begin to soften and develop good browning. Stir frequently!
Once browned, add apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan. Stir sprouts until all the browning (also called fond!) comes of the bottom of the pan. Brings out all that delicious flavor!
Stir in honey to coat sprouts in a thin sweet glaze. Cook for an additional minute or two until heated through.
Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving!
If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can reheat them by spreading in a single layer and roasting for 10 to 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Such a simple and easy way to incorporate some color and veggies into your holiday menu.
As always, enjoy!
101 Comments so far
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Cullen, grouchy? No way–he’s too cute:D
I’ll have to try this recipe soon!
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Oh yum! I love sweet and sour anything – these look perfect! I think I might make them tomorrow! I don’t have honey, but do you think agave would be okay?
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awww, how can you be grouchy with that adorable face?!
i just bought an inordinate amount of brussels sprouts from trader joe’s. will have to try this! and… green bean casserole. yuck. not my cup of tea either.
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Oh baby Cullen! Hopefully he’ll de-grouchify soon :)
This recipe is perfect, I just bought brussel sprouts today and will try out this recipe for my familys Thanksgiving.
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Aw, even when he’s grouchy he’s cute!
I hate green bean casserole-mushrooms are eeeevil ;) But I do like Brussels sprouts and this looks yummy.
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Love his grouchy face! so cute!
My ten week old won’t let me put him down either. He has to be onmy chest or in the baby bjorn while I’m walking. I’m enjoying the extra cuddle time because I know it won’t last forever.
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I really started loving Brussels Sprouts a few years ago. I made another one of your Brussels recipes once for my husband and he really liked them too.
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My family has a standard Brussels Sprouts recipe {with bacon} that we’ve used for years…hopefully I can switch it up a little this year!
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My goodness I just love that face! And Brussels sprouts–they’re on our Thanksgiving table every year!
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Hey, good for you for even getting a post up. I think that in itself is an accomplishment. :)
I’ve always loved brussels sprouts, even as a kid. The combo of sweet and sour in your recipe sounds awesome. Although, like you, I would be thrilled to eat a giant bowl of mashed potatoes, followed by some pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Yum!
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yummy – i love me some brussels.
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i tried brussels sprouts for the first time last year and i love them! definitely trying this! :)
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That first picture is just too cute! And I must say I’m a bit partial to the little frog legs babies have…so sweet. This dish looks great. However, my family would SO not eat it! Boo!
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Yum, I just bought some brussel sprouts for another dish but I am tempted to do this instead! Yum.
Also, Cullen looks so much like his daddy in that first photo. Excluding the grump.
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Those eyebrows are so stinkin cute!
I love brussels–holidays or weeknights, they’re always good. :-)
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Cullen totally looks like Casey now. WOW! And yummmmm to the sprouts!
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The recipe looks delicious and just like everyone else (apparently) Cullen looks just like Casey in that first photo…(not the grouchy face, just the overall look).
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Never thought about adding cider vinegar, interesting!
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Cullen is so adorable!!! Haha, I have to type my blog posts with my cat laying on me and my arms stretched all the way out…i know the feeling! Of course your blockade is more adorable (and less furry) than mine ;)
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That is the best face ever!
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Your still gorgeous as ever, even with Mr Grouchy! Love this recipe!! xo
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I love Brussles and like to add ginger and agave (or honey) to mine…I love the sweet & sour vibe.
Cullen is adorable even when Grouchy :)
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It isn’t Christmas or Easter to me without brussels sprouts. My dad used to stick them raw in my school lunches as a special treat. I loved eating them layer by layer.
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Oh I LOVE brussel sprouts! Usually, mine are lathered in butter and pan fried, so this option sounds much, much healthier, yet still oh so delicious. And Cullen’s face is just priceless!
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I’m a long time reader but this is my first time commenting.
Love love love that little face in the first photo. And the one of him passed out on your chest – awesome. I have a 5 month old and I spent pretty much every afternoon of my 3 months of maternity leave with my little guy sleeping on my chest that way!
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LOVE his facial expression in the first pic and love his little bum in the second (and you look fabulous, BTW). The only way I have ever had Brussels sprouts is grilled, I will have to try these.
I have 3 daughters and yes it can make you feel like you are stuck in one spot, but I have always loved a baby sleeping on my chest.
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How did you do that with your recipage right in your post!? Or is it just something you are trying out? Just curious! Love that first picture of Cullen — such a cute expression!
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
We just added the feature yesterday, and I was trying it out for the first time! Sending an email about it soon. :) Pretty cool!
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Oh Emily!! Cullen’s little furrowed brow!! I’m a regular reader and an infrequent commenter… But I had to come out of the woodwork for that little frown! Be still my heart…
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that picture of cullen is classic! totally made my day!
hope he gets rid of the grouch soon and is all smiles :)
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Only baby Cullen could make grouchy look so cute!
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Even if he’s grouchy, he is SO adorable. Love the position with his butt up in the air haha!!! what a little cutie!!!
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That photo is too cute and priceless!
I agree I am not a fan of green beans but brussels sprouts I love! Thanks for taking the time to share the recipe :)
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Love the picture of Cullen! :) He looks like he is shaking his fist at you! lol. I hear ya on the Thanksgiving plate-I would love for mine to be stuffing + pumpkin pie only!
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I have never tried this combo of seasoning on brussels sprouts… sounds awesome. I also have never tried searing them in a pan as I typically just roast them in the oven. I want to try this recipe the next time I make some, thanks!
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I love the first picture of Cullen :-) I also love this recipe! I can’t wait to try it.
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Grouchy McGroucherson — is totally adorable!
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I love that these take a slightly different spin on roasted brussel sprouts- they sound delicious.
I’ve definitely added this recipe to my Thanksgiving round-up. I can’t wait to give it a try!
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Would these be roast-able? I am still only sold on Brussels sprouts if they are roasted.
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
I think so! Just watch to make sure they don’t burn with the honey on there. Maybe add the dressing half way through cooking?
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I’m not sure I ever had Brussels sprouts growing up but I tried them a few months ago and found that they are delicious!! They may not smell super yummy but they sure taste good. I’ll have to give these a try! :)
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Yum! I love brussels sprouts and the sweet and sour seems like a great different way to make them. I’m going to have to give this a try very soon!
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Cullen is way too cute – grouchy or otherwise ;)
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I’ve always loved brussels sprouts, but I love me some green bean casserole too…lol.
I’ll have to try this.
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That grouchy face is sooo cute! (for us just looking at the picture anyhow…)
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love brussels sprouts, will have to try this. I cut mine in half toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and lots of garlic ( I’m italian love our garlic lol), I throw in the lemons I squeezed and roast in the oven soo good. My dog even goes crazy for them, you would think it was steak (ewww) the way he eats them.
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I love how you call him Grouchy McGroucherson. His facial expression is hilarious. Cullen is so cute though, you are very lucky!
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Oh Cullen, that face is priceless!! Sorry your grouchy :) Better luck tomorrow! I love Brussel sprouts.. and I actually have some right now.. Guess I’m trying this out- how convenient :)
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Too cute. I looooveee brussel sprouts. Even though the pumpkin pie isn’t so bad either ;D
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He makes grumpy look GOOD! :)
Love this recipe, Emily (and love the new Recipage feature…I used it today…LOVE it!). I’ve been on a brussels kick so you can bet I’ll try this out. (For your vegan readers, there’s a product called Bee-Free Honee is a really nice alternative.)
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I have to tell you, I love Brussels sprouts but I’ve only ever had them tossed with olive oil and then roasted. When I went home last week, my mom had steamed them with brown sugar and cinnamon and they were absolutely delicious. I never thought of making them sweet before. My mom just discovered Brussels sprouts (as she puts it) and is planning on making them for Thanksgiving, so I’ll have to share this recipe with her.
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Boy he looks like Casey!! Especially compared to that baby picture from when you first announced you were pregnant!
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I never understood why brusssel sprouts got such a bad rap! They’re yummy!*
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I can’t wait to try this! YUM! Thanks for sharing! LOVE the grouchy Cullen face, hahahahaha! I know how you feel, my son was the SAME way, only was happy on my chest in the Ergo. Let me tell you , it goes VERY fast and you will miss those days he fit on your chest! My baby is 4 now and still loves to snuggle with momma….but is now a bit bigger to hold! Enjoy and thanks for sharing your life!
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Very little oil, too. An excellent recipe, Emily and I’m a BIG Brussel fan. That firt pictue of Cullen is just the BEST!!
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What a sweet picture of you two! I second that about Thanksgiving dinner. Mine would just be mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. I don’t like green beans much, either. I completely forgot about Brussels sprouts, though, which I actually really like. Thanks for the recipe! :)
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Brussel sprouts are so cute! How could anyone hate them :)
Funny that you posted this though. I JUST made your Cinnamon Brussel Sprouts with Apples and Pears yesterday. SO GOOD! I put it over a little bismati rice and some salt+pepper tofu. It was absolutely delicious!
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
That sounds like a great meal!
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Love brussel sprouts any way – but will try this for sure.
I recall having some McGroucherson’s in my home way back when, only I called them PuffaGrumps! There were times I wanted to chuck them out the window! Not really, but as you said recently, it’s a good they’re cute!
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Mmmmm I love brussel sprouts! So far my entire thanksgiving menu consists of your recipes! :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Ahh awesome! Hope they are good!
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Sounds yummy! Cullen does look super grouchy :( poor guy. I love how snuggly newborns are! Based on what you have read at what point is it ok to put them down and let them cry for awhile?
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
I don’t really have the heart to let him cry it out. His crying really does usually seem like he needs something. The last few days have been better, so hopefully we’re moving in the right direction!
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jane Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 11:39 am
i think he’s too young to let him cry it out, right?
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Nice little booty Cullen :)
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That first picture of him is priceless, sums up how most people probably feel about brussel sprouts.
I however think they are fantastic and have been lobbying my family to allow them on the Thanksgiving Dinner menu, we’ll see how that turns out.
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It looks like Cullen has Casey’s head! So precious and sweet that he wants to be on your chest! :)
Can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner!
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First Comment on a blog:
I just have to. I have followed Cullen’s entire story and have to give you my congratulations. That birth story brought me to tears and that’s hard to do.
I’m so impressed with the knowledge that you have gained with each endeavor you take on, Mothering at the top. With that said, I have to ask if you are eating tomatoes? After many months of a crying baby, I realized that what I ate didn’t agreed with my baby. I’m sure you’re on top of that, but it never hurts to ask.
Good luck to you and your little family. He’s adorable.
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Thank you so much, Amy! SO nice to hear. :) Nope, no tomatoes over here. But it could definitely be something else. I’m not having dairy or caffeine either, and I’m trying to pay attention to any other triggers.
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emily: that picture with cullen’s butt in the air made me laugh right out loud. and it’s taking a lot today, as sleep has become a mystery in the third trimester.
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Ahh I know how that goes. Believe it or not, I think I’m sleeping better now than I did in my third trimester!
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I’m not one for brussel sprouts but these look very good. I think I may make these for my Hubby for Thanksgiving.
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I love brussel sprouts and usually roast them. This looks like a yummy recipe that would cook quicker than roasting. I have made several of your recipes and they have all been great (Sweet Potato Lentil Chili is our new family favorite). Will have to try this one next.
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It appears that your little man likes the sound of your heart beat and the warmth and smell of his Momma! This happens and slowly he will be fine on his own. Then just as he settles for just hanging out by himself, he’ll start with teeth and back he’ll go to hanging with you! I always said that this is how patience with our children is learned.
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Grouchy McGroucherson is the most precious baby I have ever seen!
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I just squealed at my computer screen, “Wook at dat swunchy wittle face!!!”
Sigh. I haven’t even met the guy, and I’m baby-talking to him. :)
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Question – I don’t have apple cider vinegar at home. Do you think I could swap for another kind of vinegar? Balsamic, distilled or red wine vinegar? Might save me a trip to the grocery store :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Balsamic is a much different flavor. I would try red wine vinegar – probably the most similar!
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Cullen is so cute…even as a grouch ;)
And Brussels Sprouts….yummy. Can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks Emily!
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Emily, thank you for posting another delicious looking brussels sprout recipe. I hadnt eaten sprouts since I was young until I tried your Asian sesame glazed sprouts last year- I’m now a total convert!
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I never cared much for brussels when I was growing up but got them once for my CSA and learned they are awesome! But I am similar to you, I could just go for mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
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I’m so glad I didn’t cook sprouts last night and read your blog this morning! Whew! Can’t wait to try this – and I have everything already! Thanks!
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Melissa Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 7:14 am
Okay, so I made this last night. Probably the best way to make them. I was sick of just roasting with garlic and butter. This was fantastic. I will for sure make this again!
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His facial expression in the first pic is PRICELESS! He wants the attention not the keyboard or blog.
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I agree, I love brussels sprouts and get the strangest looks when I say that. Glad someone else understands! Cute baby photos, as always ;)
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OMG, the grumpy face! What a moment to capture :)
I LOVE brussels sprouts! Now I’m craving them for lunch. YUM!
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Not like you really have time to do this, but I’d be interested to read a “break down” of a day with a new baby. I’m due in 10 days and have no clue what life is going to be like on a newborns schedule. It kind of freaks me out when people tell me that it’s impossible to shower or make anything to eat…I guess I just don’t understand what it is like yet. :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Hey Sally! Well every day is TOTALLY different, haha, but I can try. Don’t be scared. It’s different, yes, but in good ways. Showering and eating are mainly a challenge because babies want to be held ALL the time. If it makes you feel better, I have successfully showered every single day. :)
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Green Bean Casserole must be an american thing…always had it at Christmas visiting my cousins in Wisconsin. Here in Canada…rarely seen or heard of. Brussel sprouts, on the other hand much more popular…british thing? I love roasting them with oil, salt and pepper. I like the idea of the sweet and sour…a must try! Thanks! My second son was aptly named “Velcro Baby!” …as he constantly needed to be ‘attached’ to me. Not as easy as the second child of a first child with food allergies and skin problems! We managed some how!
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Cullen is so cute!! His expression is “What!! You’re leaving me for your computer?!! LOL.
Will try the brussels sprouts recipe tonight. Simple and yummy.
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Oh man, that first picture of Cullen looks like me in the morning before I’ve had my coffee. Not a happy face :(
Thanks for the great and oh so easy Brussels Sprouts recipe. I was hoping to serve some of these babies as a side dish at Thanksgiving but wasn’t sure what I wanted to put on them. Now I know :)
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Brussel Sprouts are my favorite!!! This is a great recipe to hold onto.
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Ahahahaha the brussels sprouts recipe is amazing but I canNOT get over that picture of Cullen
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Omg look at his little butt. Too stinking cute!! I hope grouchy mcgroucherson is feeling better today!
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He is just so cute and expressive!
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While this recipe looks delicious, if you are nursing (?), brussel sprouts and foods of the like may be the reason for a grouchy baby. I learned that the hard way with my postpartum obsession with lentil soup and broccoli :)But once I cut those foods out I had a much happier baby and I was a much happier mommy! :)
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I was debating how I was going to cook my brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving, and I think this may be the winner! Bookmarked for sure! :)
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My husband and I enjoyed the sweet and sour brussel sprouts last night. The kids avoided them…which left more for my salad at lunch today! Perfect recipe for my girls’ getaway!
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[...] brussels sprouts were made to be sweet and sour, and I based my flavor choices off of the suggestions from another blogger. The cranberry sauce had an orange flavor twist, and was free of added sugars (aside from what [...]
So simple but so yummy! – thank you.
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[...] Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts: [...]
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