BS: Sprout shortage

Subject: BS: Sprout shortage
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:00 AM

Whole fabric of Christmas threatened. Apparently there is going to be a shortage of Brussels sprouts (in the UK) in the next few days. Get down to the supermarkets NOW. Fight your way to the front of the queue. Buy all you can. Dont end up as one of the families who will have to face sobbing children demanding their helping of sprouts.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: MMario
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:44 AM

I like sprouts - but how did this become a Christmas dish...?

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:45 AM

;-)

I'm with the kidz on this one! I'll eat 'em if they're there but I've never really seen the attraction.

Mind you I did see a reipe by one of the young Turks (might have been J. Oliver) which suggested shredding them and briefly frying the bits. Then, of course, y' taste the oil.

BTW, what the hell is 'Extra virgin' olive oil? I use it, and appreciate the taste, but ??????

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: IanN
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:47 AM

Sprout Curry is an excellent dish for those brave enough! The hotter the better. Mind you I've been getting some sprouts from the local farmer & they're infinately better tasting than those from the shops. Almost worth eating un-curried.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: mooman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:56 AM

Don't worry Greg....I'll send a boatload over from Brussels. Can't have a UK Christmas without sprouts (or indeed the king of vegetables - the roast parsnip!)

moo

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: MMario
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:59 AM

Extra virgin olive oil, the cold-pressed result of the first pressing of the olives, is only 1 percent acid. It's considered the finest and fruitiest of the olive oils and is therefore also the most expensive. Extra virgin olive oil can range from a crystalline champagne color   to greenish-golden to bright green. In general, the deeper the color, the more intense the olive flavor.

After extra virgin, olive oils are classified in order of          ascending acidity.
Virgin olive oil is also a first-press oil, with a slightly higher level of acidity of between 1 and 3 percent.
Fino olive oil is a blend of extra virgin and virgin oils (fino is Italian for "fine").

Products labeled simply olive oil (once called pure olive oil) contain a combination of refined olive oil and virgin or extra virgin oil.

The new light olive oil contains the same amount of beneficial monounsaturated fat as regular olive oil...and it also has exactly the same number of calories. What the term "light" refers to is that -- because of an extremely fine filtration process--this olive oil is lighter in both color and fragrance, and has little of the classic olive-oil flavor

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:01 AM

If we didn't have Brussels sprouts at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, there would be revolution, riots in the streets, arson, rape, and bloody murder from our family!

We don't have the tradition of roast parsnips in our family, but it sounds good to me.

For some reason having to do with the preferences of an ex-son-in-law, we are also saddled with the requirement of macaroni and cheese on the holiday board. Eminently forgettable. Oh, well.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:01 AM

This could be a golden oppurtinity for the lowly kohlrabi to proudly lift its head and assume a role of prominence among UK brassicas!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: NicoleC
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:02 AM

Steve -- extra virgin olive oil is the first pressing of the olives, and has to be cold-pressed. It's the most prized because it's the least acidic.

"Virgin" olive oil is also the first pressing, but it may not be cold pressed and it has a higher acidity.

Brussel sprouts for Christmas? English folk are wierd...

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:08 AM

I've never had the slightest desire to eat brussels sprouts at Christmas or at any other time. I might have had them forced on me once or twice. Hate the things. Why on earth is this the no.1 hot topic at the moment? Has everyone gone mad?

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:24 AM

Well, thanks for the warning, Greg. I'll get a big bag of frozen sprouts on my way home tonight, just in case...

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:26 AM

Folkies shoudnt query traditions. You eat sprouts at Christmas because you did it last year. It's got nothing to do with whether they are nice or not.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Gareth
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:29 AM

Sprout Shortage -HURRAY
Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:37 AM

Thanks Mario & Nicole.

But surely 'virgin' is an absolute, all-or-nothing type thing? like unique, best or pregnant. Deep water beckons!

S

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:42 AM

Simple. Virgin olive oil has never had sexual intercourse. Extra virgin olive oil has never masturbated either.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Morticia
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:43 AM

thanks for reminding me....if I put mine on now they should be ready for xmas lunch :)

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:46 AM

Gotcha BWL! :O)

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:49 AM

I didn't eat sprouts last year, and I don't intend to eat them this year, with or without extra virgin olive oil, so there. BUGGER TRADITION

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Llanfair
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM

I like sprouts.......there, Ive said it!!! They taste great mixed with chestnuts and smothered in butter.
And they make the BEST bubble and squeak.

It's alright, nurse, I feel better now, I think I'll have a nap now..................

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: sian, west wales
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM

Sprouts with lots of butter and crunchy bacon bits. mmmmm-good.

BUT NOT SO GOOD AS ROAST PARSNIPS! Lovely hot or cold. Quick - someone write me an Ode to Roast Parsnips!

sian

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: harvey andrews
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 11:59 AM

Sprouts! I love 'em.

How on Earth could we leave out
The super tasting Brussells sprout
Turkey, spuds, and gravy too
Are meaningless without a few!
Eat 'em cooked or eat 'em raw
Always I look out for more
Raise your voice in mighty shout
"Hallelujah!! Brussell sprout"

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: harvey andrews
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:02 PM

Actually there'll be a big shortage of Brusell sprouts, whereas the humble Brussel sprout should be okay. Duh....I always press send too soon!

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: harvey andrews
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:02 PM

Sod it! Did it again!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:04 PM

WEll youve mentioned Brussell, Brussells and Brussel so far, Harvey. But I believe it's Brussels Sprouts we're going to be short of.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: smallpiper
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:06 PM

The UK sprout shortage is due entirely to brother oakley (aligidly9. He has been buying all uk Supplies inorder to place them on window sills (specifically in the gents) in pubs that do not welcome musicians or singers. So blame him or thank him depending on your taste - I actually like them with bacon and almonds lightly tossed in extra virgin olive oil yum yum yum!! So there!

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: DougR
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:10 PM

There will be no sprouts on my Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day table anyway. This must be European custom. I've never heard of it being one in the U. S. (unless perhaps it might be so in West Virginia and Maine). :>)

By the way, Kendall, did you know Llamas were indigenous to South Dakota at one time?

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:12 PM

Bet that pinko Bobert lives on them, DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:14 PM

What's the difference between Brussels Sprouts and Snot ?
- Will your kids eat Brussels Sprouts ?

I don't think it would be a good idea for 'Spaw to eat sprouts - especially curried ones.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Sonnet
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:15 PM

I'm still waiting for Chizzer to forgive me for making Brussel Sprout soup several Christmases ago!

Jay

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:29 PM

It's too late now anyway -- you should have started cooking them three weeks ago! Anyone who's worried about the sprout shortage is welcome to my share. Roast parsnips however are delicious!

BJ

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:48 PM

Chop 'em up to look like roast spuds & mix 'em up.    But beware - parsnips cook more quickly.

My soon-to-be-ex-stepson (work that one out) loves Brussels sprouts and always has done. When asked what he wanted to eat at his fifth birthday party (12 years ago) - guess what he asked for.

I saw a 'Brussels sprout tree' on sale in Sainsbury's the other day, wrapped in polythene and, no doubt, grossly overpriced. Presumably someone must buy them? In fact, I may get one, stand it in the corner and hang tinsel on it!

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Wuzzle
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:35 PM

My daughter has conceded she will eat sprouts if she can take the skins of   ???

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:41 PM

What's the recipe for Brussels sprout soup??!!

My parents never forced me to eat anything, but the did coax me relentlessly. "Just trythem!" Actually, my mother did all the coaxing. My father got away with murder so he never tried to talk me into eating anything.

I stayed with an aunt for a while and she served lima bean. She went into this big lecture on how I had to eat them, stop whining, you're at MY house now, dearie. (..and your little dog TOO!)   She was a mean old bat and I think she believed she was torturing me. Unbeknownst to her, I had never laid eyes, let alone taste buds, on a lima bean in my life. I loved 'em! I think I'd finished what she'd given me and asked for more before she was done with the lecture. Salt, butter and mushy food - life doesn't get any better. The point is that we'd never had lima beans because my father hated them and my mother didn't want to explain why Daddy could get away with that "I'm not going to eat them and you can't make me" stuff and I couldn't.

Anyway, that has nothing to do with Brussels sprouts. No matter how many times I tried them, I hated them. Same with asparagus, only aspagagus would make me gag if I even thought of eating it. Now, I love fresh (and NOT overcooked) asparagus and Brussels sprouts. I love that slightly bitter taste and the wonderful color. After all, you can put butter on something, it must be good.

I've never had parsnips, but I suppose I should try them.

And now, thank you very much, I am STARVING. Have to go buy Brussels sprouts and parsnips.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:44 PM

So, enlighten me please. Is there a traditional way of preparing sprouts for the typical British Christmas? Several of the posts on this thread seem to indicate that a lengthy cooking time is the norm. Doesn't that turn them into sprout mush? I love the little things, but only if they're cooked just long enough to make them tender.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:48 PM

I love sprouts, I'm in dire straits here.... how can I survive without them....? Best cooked till just crunchy and then tossed in melted butter with roast chestnuts.... even better cold the next day in a sandwich.

What will Bratling do? She loves to help me peel them and I have to buy twice as many as I'll cook because she eats half of them raw whilst helping.

Sprouts are traditional, as are parsnips, at Christmastime because they are in season at this time of year. They are best gathered after the first frost, and this is the reason there is a shortage. Because we've had a warm wet winter so far, they are just rotting on the stems and there isn't the manpower to harvest them.

LTS - very angry because there are no sprouts and some bastard stole the Christmas wreath from my front door. I spent ages making it with Phoebe last Thursday, and I noticed this morning that some bugger has nicked it.... they'll have the pants off your arse if you squatted in the gutter here.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: JudeL
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:49 PM

Sprouts are one of those veg that great if done right and awful if not. They need to be very fresh (not sitting in warehouse or on supermarket shelves for weeks), cut a cross into the base of each sprout to help it cook quickly and evenly, should be tossed into rapid boiling water (lightly salted) for a few minutes, DON'T OVERCOOK , serve immediately (and preferably served with melted butter and chestnuts). Done right they are gorgeous BUT if they were old to begin with, overcooked, or left to sit warming for ages before eating they are vile. Having been raised eating sprouts usually collected from the garden a few minutes before, I didn't know they could taste so awful until I tried to eat some cooked (to death) by my ex mother in law, I then understood why some people say they don't like sprouts ( even 15 years later it has left a wariness of eating them when I don't know who cooked them).

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Ed.
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:51 PM

Bee-dubya-ell,

I think that the lengthy cooking time posts were tongue in cheek - it's the way they were served by bad cooks for years. Your cooking time is the way to go. They're generally (or at least should be) served tossed in butter, often mixed with sweet chesnuts or bacon.

Jeri, sprouts shouldn't be bitter. At their best, they're slightly sweet and very nutty. Delicious

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:55 PM

I hate boiled brussels sprouts, but I love them steamed until just tender, and tossed with butter, salt, and pepper and eaten hot, or marinated in an oil/vinegar/herb dressing and eaten at room temperature. I eat them all year round.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:38 PM

Ed, I didn't mean horribly bitter. I think it may be the translation. I was trying to convey that taste that makes sprouts different than other veggies. There's a taste that hits your tongue at exacly the same spot the nasty 'bitter' hits it, but it's very light and pleasant. It's the combination of that slightly bitter taste and the slightly sweet tast that make them so good.

I've never heard of mixing them with chestnuts or bacon, but both sound lovely. Bat Goddess throws the frozen ones in pickle juice after the pickles are gone. She comes from a culture with strong pickling heritage though.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Morticia
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:43 PM

Pickled sprouts?????God help us all!

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: DougR
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:00 PM

Greg: I suspect you are right about Bobert. Think THAT could be what's wrong with him? :>)

Seriously, though, I do like sprouts, and like CarolC, I steam them as she does.

Jeri: I share your liking of lima beans. I like both fresh limas, and dried limas, the latter with good cornbread made without any sugar. (Newbies: see cornbread thread of a year or two ago).

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:00 PM

My father likes them boiled almost to a pulp. On the rare occasions my mother cooks them for him and normal people she has to do two lots!

I'm going to try them steamed, then buttered & peppered.

"But give I boiled parsnips..."

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:03 PM

...and then there's that north of Watford concoction 'mushy peas'.

Just one question:   Why?

S

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:13 PM

Schantieman,

I won't bother trying to convince you of the joys of mushy peas. All I'll say is, your loss mate...

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:15 PM

Mushy peas with vinegar on, YUM bloody YUM.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:16 PM

Mushy pea fritters, found as far south as Dorset.... double yum!

Now if only I could get the breadcrumbs to stay on the sprouts.....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:19 PM

Tried 'em. Hate 'em. Guess it's just me then!

S

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: MMario
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 04:23 PM

I like them steamed - and then HOT with italian dressing. Or cheese sauce, or buttered, or lemon juice.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 08:41 PM

NOW I begin to understand why we don't have them at Christmas. I'm in AUSTRALIA and it is high summer.In fact there has been a move away from having any kind of traditional Christmas dinner at all, and going with a BBQ instead. I resisted this for a long time, having grown up with roasts and pudding and all that, but it gets SO hot in the kitchen so the last 2 years it has been a BBQ, with howls of complaint from my (grown up) son who likes his hot roast with baked vegies, including mushy peas
I also suspect that I never got to taste brussel sprouts as they should taste because my mother was a terrible cook. She used to UNDERCOOK the baked vegies,like the potatoes, so they were hard, and the greens were SEVERELY overcooked so they all looked grey.

Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage
From: smallpiper
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 08:54 PM

Its all about security there is nothing more homely to the average Brit than the smell of sprouts being cooked untill they turn grey! However, I will restate that when cooked properley - steamed and tossed in virgin olive oil with almonds and bacon bits then you are close to taste paradise! Those of you that hate them possibly have never eaten them when they have not been boiled until grey!