Sprout Skewers…At the Kids Table!

Brussels Sprouts.  The other dreaded “BS” word.
The name brings about an instant nose crinkle among most kids, when they hear the mention of this otherwise innocent looking little vegetable.  Why is that?
Is it because in the past they have been served boiled to death?  Slimy and barely seasoned? Have we been programed to dread eating this little cousin of the cabbage because it has been a victim of bad cooking practices?

At our home brussels sprouts are considered a treat!  I know, I know you don’t believe it…but it’s true!  We have mastered the art of cooking these little guys, and they have become a family favorite.  During the holidays I make our traditional brussels sprouts recipe: Creamy Brussels Sprouts.  This is one of my favorite Better Homes and Gardens Recipes!  You can find it here:

Creamy Brussels Sprouts

Kids though, are often put off by casseroles.  I think it’s hard for them to look past all of the ingredients mixed together to see the goodness that lies within.  In an effort to introduce this great little vegetable to the kid’s table I came up with a fun new way to serve brussels sprouts!  Sprout Skewers!

Kid’s love anything on a skewer!  We are going to take advantage of this and skewer those little sprouts with some bacon and roast them until they are flavorful and oh so good!  This is such an easy recipe to make.  It is worth the extra little effort of adding this to your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal for the kid’s table.

{Print this Recipe}
Sprout Skewers
makes 8-10 skewers
Ingredients:
1 carton fresh brussels sprouts
6-8 slices of bacon of choice
olive oil
kosher or course salt
skewers (can be metal or bamboo)

Directions:
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for 20 minutes in water to prevent them from scorching.  Place top rack in top third of oven.  Preheat oven to 400°.  Wash and trim off ends of brussels sprouts.  Remove any outer leaves that are loose.

After you have lined up all of the skewers on cookie sheet.  Lightly brush each skewer with olive oil.  You will not need to use too much as the bacon will help keep the sprouts from drying out.

Sprinkle skewers with a small amount of salt.  The bacon is salty so do not add too much.  Place skewers on top rack of oven for approximately 30 minutes, turning once during cooking.  You will know skewers are ready when sprouts are soft to the touch but not still a little firm and look roasted.  Bacon should also be completely cooked through.  

I hope this idea helps you think outside of the box when it comes to your family’s favorite holiday recipes.  Often it takes just a little creativity to introduce our kids to new foods.  Let me know if you try this one!

And remember sitting… At the Kid’s Table can be as fun as the Big Table!

Enjoy!