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10 Dec 02 - 10:00 AM (#844528) Subject: BS: Sprout shortage From: greg stephens 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 10:44 AM (#844537) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: MMario I like sprouts - but how did this become a Christmas dish...? |
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10 Dec 02 - 10:45 AM (#844539) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman ;-) 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 10:47 AM (#844541) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: IanN 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 10:56 AM (#844545) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: mooman 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 10:59 AM (#844547) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: MMario 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:01 AM (#844548) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Uncle_DaveO 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:01 AM (#844549) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Bee-dubya-ell This could be a golden oppurtinity for the lowly kohlrabi to proudly lift its head and assume a role of prominence among UK brassicas!!!! |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:02 AM (#844552) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: NicoleC 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... |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:08 AM (#844557) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,JennyO 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? |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:24 AM (#844575) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,Ed Well, thanks for the warning, Greg. I'll get a big bag of frozen sprouts on my way home tonight, just in case... Ed |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:26 AM (#844577) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: greg stephens 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:29 AM (#844581) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Gareth Sprout Shortage -HURRAY Gareth |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:37 AM (#844588) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman Thanks Mario & Nicole. But surely 'virgin' is an absolute, all-or-nothing type thing? like unique, best or pregnant. Deep water beckons! S |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:42 AM (#844591) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Bee-dubya-ell Simple. Virgin olive oil has never had sexual intercourse. Extra virgin olive oil has never masturbated either. |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:43 AM (#844594) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Morticia thanks for reminding me....if I put mine on now they should be ready for xmas lunch :) |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:46 AM (#844597) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman Gotcha BWL! :O) Steve |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:49 AM (#844602) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,JennyO 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM (#844610) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Llanfair 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM (#844613) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: sian, west wales 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 11:59 AM (#844616) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: harvey andrews 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" |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:02 PM (#844621) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: harvey andrews 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! |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:02 PM (#844624) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: harvey andrews Sod it! Did it again!!!! |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:04 PM (#844628) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: greg stephens WEll youve mentioned Brussell, Brussells and Brussel so far, Harvey. But I believe it's Brussels Sprouts we're going to be short of. |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:06 PM (#844632) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: smallpiper 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! |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:10 PM (#844637) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: DougR 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:12 PM (#844640) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: greg stephens Bet that pinko Bobert lives on them, DougR |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:14 PM (#844644) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Dave Bryant 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:15 PM (#844645) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Sonnet I'm still waiting for Chizzer to forgive me for making Brussel Sprout soup several Christmases ago! Jay |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:29 PM (#844653) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Bullfrog Jones 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 12:48 PM (#844672) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:35 PM (#844701) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Wuzzle My daughter has conceded she will eat sprouts if she can take the skins of ??? |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:41 PM (#844707) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Jeri 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:44 PM (#844713) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Bee-dubya-ell 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:48 PM (#844716) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Liz the Squeak 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:49 PM (#844717) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: JudeL 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). |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:51 PM (#844720) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Ed. 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 01:55 PM (#844723) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: CarolC 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 03:38 PM (#844803) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Jeri 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 03:43 PM (#844807) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Morticia Pickled sprouts?????God help us all! |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:00 PM (#844816) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: DougR 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:00 PM (#844817) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman 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..." |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:03 PM (#844818) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman ...and then there's that north of Watford concoction 'mushy peas'. Just one question: Why? S |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:13 PM (#844827) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST Schantieman, I won't bother trying to convince you of the joys of mushy peas. All I'll say is, your loss mate... |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:15 PM (#844831) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: John MacKenzie Mushy peas with vinegar on, YUM bloody YUM. Giok |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:16 PM (#844834) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Liz the Squeak 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 |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:19 PM (#844838) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman Tried 'em. Hate 'em. Guess it's just me then! S |
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10 Dec 02 - 04:23 PM (#844843) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: MMario I like them steamed - and then HOT with italian dressing. Or cheese sauce, or buttered, or lemon juice. |
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10 Dec 02 - 08:41 PM (#845011) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,JennyO 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. |
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10 Dec 02 - 08:54 PM (#845018) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: smallpiper 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! |
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11 Dec 02 - 11:12 AM (#845188) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Dave Bryant The only way that I like sprouts are as part of the wonderful "Bubble and Sqeak" (no relation to Liz) that I make out of all the left-over veg after Christmas. |
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11 Dec 02 - 11:52 AM (#845217) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: open mike what's bubble and squeak? and are these mushy peas of the fresh green vqariety, or is it like split (dried) peas?? and can someone give a recipe for chestnuts- i have a bag of 'em sitting by my frot door still with the prickly skins on.. picked from a neighborhood tree. like br. sprouts they do best i think if you cut a cross in them before cooking (roasting on an open fire?) but they take a lot of work to process besides getting the stickery jackets off will be the first challengs... perhaps i'll step on them... speaking of front door- what a pity that someone would actually rip off a wreath right form your door-- is nothing sacred?? |
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11 Dec 02 - 12:15 PM (#845235) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Nigel Parsons For the best results cooking Brussels sprouts. 1, Place sprouts in a small saucepan with a covering of cold water and a pinch of salt. 2, Bring gently to the boil and simmer for one hour. 3, Turn off heat, and strain water into a container (if required for making gravy) 4, Tranfer sprouts to kitchen bin. 5, Open a tine of Heinz Baked Beans! Nigel |
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11 Dec 02 - 02:13 PM (#845350) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: DougR Three questions: What are "mushy peas'" and how are they cooked? And how do you cook parsnips? DougR |
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11 Dec 02 - 02:25 PM (#845366) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,Ed Doug, Regarding Mushy Peas, see this thread. Parsnips can be cooked in the same way as roast potatoes, but don't take as long. Ed |
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11 Dec 02 - 02:38 PM (#845378) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: MMario or they can be cooked any way you do carrots |
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11 Dec 02 - 02:42 PM (#845379) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: KJ My dear Smallpiper, you are sadly misguided about Grand Master Oakley's intentions with the aforementioned sprouts. I have it on good authority that they are not left in the gents toilets but are instead used in a bizarre ritual that involves a ferret & a tub of stork margarine. Oakley is not all he appears to be. Have you noticed he has been very quiet of late? Ferret owners beware!! |
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11 Dec 02 - 04:06 PM (#845446) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,Q My grandson just suggested that getting away from brussels sprouts might have been the real reason for the American Revolution! Seriously, I like them with butter and bacon as someone suggested above. They have to be really fresh, however, and not bitter. We would never have them at Christmas dinner, because I stand alone. |
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11 Dec 02 - 04:17 PM (#845460) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: DougR Ed: thanks for that blue clicky. I even found that I had posted to that thread two or three times, but had no recollection of ever having heard of "Mushy Peas." Old age, I guess, or maybe it's all Bobert's fault. I like green pea soup, so I'd probably like mushy peas. I don't know about the butter though. Sounds like it would make them pretty rich. DougR |
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11 Dec 02 - 05:20 PM (#845506) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Helen Jeri, I heard somewhere that young adulthood, or late teenhood, can bring on a change in appreciation of certain foods. It's a physiological thing - don't know the explanation - but cabbage and it's relatives is one of those foods. I'm not sure but I think mushrooms are another. Finally, I am starting to get some inkling of what was behind a rather strange series of tv ads which hit Oz a few months ago. A bunch of old fogeys were all sitting around in a restaurant demanding that they have sprouts in their old age, and that they had the *right* to have sprouts. It was an ad for a retirement investment fund. I think the majority of Aussies just looked at the ad and said "Wot the....???" Sprouts seem to be available all year here so it's no big deal. And there doesn't seem to be any major interest in them at Christmas or special occasions. They are just another vegie we were told we had to eat. I admit I like them. They are especially nice in a good, old-fashioned, slow-cooked meaty casserole because they soak up all the yummy juices and get a buttery taste. I'll have to try them with chestnuts, or the almonds and bacon, with the olive oil, because I love all of those things anyway. LTS, maybe you need to take a philosophical view on that bastard stealing your wreath. When I worked in a public library where I got to choose the books to buy I began to evaluate how well I had chosen by how quickly they got stolen. "Oh, I did really well this month! They're all gone and they were only on the shelves a week!" The other thing to remember, in that case, is an apt (mis-)quote? I heard about Henry Ford when his offspring collectively sued him for his assets (don't ask me why) and in court he tapped his head and said "There is plenty more where that all came from", meaning that it was only money but he created it through his own creativity and abilities. Helen |
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11 Dec 02 - 05:30 PM (#845515) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Catherine Jayne I love sprouts and I bought some fresh at the supermarket this afternoon and seem as micca doesn't like them much.....they are all mine!!!! I also like mushy peas with vinegar!!!! Cat |
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11 Dec 02 - 07:13 PM (#845577) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: harpmaker I love sprouts, but I did'nt have them for years (12) as my ex suffered from VERY UNPLEASENT BOTTIE BURPS, real bad. But now Iam free, free to eat as many as I want. My now partner, the fabulous Christine has never ever ever farted. So there. Long live sprouts. Incidently, we were playing today (and tomorrow) at an opening of a new restaraunt, harp n' all that, we get a free xmas dinner-with sprouts!! yummmy, roll on tomorrow!! xcuse, just farted.hgmmm |
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11 Dec 02 - 07:23 PM (#845586) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: McGrath of Harlow I'd always assumed that Australians had their Christmas Dinner as a barbecue anyway - but using the normal Christmas ingrediants like turkey and sprouts and so forth. I remember when they used to do those round-the-Commonwealth Christmas day broadcasts they always used to include a contribution from some Ozzies who'd been eating their turkey out of doors in the outback or on the beach. |
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11 Dec 02 - 09:38 PM (#845682) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: DougR Harpmaker: I assume your partner is rather large, right? DougR |
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12 Dec 02 - 02:15 AM (#845773) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: open mike i thought i replied to this thread... but i don't see my message so i'll try agian.. i wondered if anyone couold give a recipe for chestnuts--i believe they (like br. sprouts) are best if you cut a cross in em before cooking--or in the case of chestnuts it sould be roasting on a open fire, no?? i picked a bunch of them and not sure how to get their prickly jackets off--stomp on 'em?? liz--i can't believe someone would actually rip off the wreath from your own front door--what's the world coming to??!! and what are mushy peas?? fresh green peas? dried split peas?? |
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12 Dec 02 - 02:34 AM (#845777) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Liz the Squeak RE: the wreath - the most annoying thing is, we made it ourselves, Bratling and I, and it wasn't even on the door a week. I could make another, but it won't be the same.. I only have 1 velvet leaf left and I used all the burgundy red berries on the original. I checked the garden just in case it had blown away (highly unlikely, I'd wired it to the hook and the door is set back in a porch) but it wasn't there. The hook had been bent down so I can only assume that someone liked it so much, they just had to have it. Maybe that should be my new occupation.. wreath maker. Anyone want one? Manitas suggested I spray some barbed wire a festive gold and use that..... I wonder about his understanding of 'the season of good will' sometimes. Going to buy some sprouts for tea tonight and console myself with them. LTS |
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12 Dec 02 - 03:14 AM (#845792) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: open mike i see my other post now--it went on page 2--duh. and to think the lowly brussel sprout inspired such a volume of chatter here!! people used to say (during the gulf war) that if it was broccoli instead of oil that there was a lot of in the persian gulf there would be no such battles. i think that was shortly after the (then) president made some comment to the effect that a portion of ketchup (catsup) would suffice as the daily allotment of vegetable in a child's school lunch-or something like that.. |
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12 Dec 02 - 03:25 AM (#845795) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: My guru always said LTS - if you ever decide to hazard a hand-made wreath on your front door again, can I suggest - when wiring it up to the hook, don't forget to plug it into the mains. Bastards! Mushy peas over chips on a cold day on the Fens, you just can't beat that! |
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12 Dec 02 - 06:17 AM (#845825) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Dave the Gnome Raw beetroots is what I say! I tried to get some last night but could I? I had to make do with cooked in the end. Assistants looked at me as if I was daft. When I explained I wanted then to make Borscht, Tesco spotty kids brain went into metdown... I waited until he had neary recovered and then served the fatal blow. "Where will I find the blinis..." Anyway - why are you talking about sprouts at this late stage. If you did't get them on before the last day of October they have no chance of being ready for Christmas;-) Cheers DtG |
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12 Dec 02 - 07:10 AM (#845840) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Schantieman Open Mike - do you have sweet chestnuts or horse chestnuts? I don't think the equine kind are edible - by humans, at least! Steve |
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12 Dec 02 - 09:38 AM (#845856) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Ella who is Sooze THank 'evans for that I say... I won't have to put up with a putrid green vapour mist being emitted from my fella on St. Stephens Day (Boxing Day). Bloomin putrid smells the day after isn't nice..... Just got to rid the world of cabbage, real ale and bitter, then I'll have it all sorted.... WHATS THAT, ME buying all the sprouts up in the uk.... Nope, not me mateys, it wuzn't me! Ella |
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12 Dec 02 - 09:43 AM (#845860) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Ella who is Sooze PS... I personally think that Sprouts, along with Cauliflower are the spawn of satan, and should only be approached with extreme caution. (ella - and her magic evil sprout eating weavils) ...EEEEvilll cackling, and lots of jumping up and down in glee - I'm with Gareth on this one! bloooooarrrrghhh! :-) Ella |
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12 Dec 02 - 09:49 AM (#845865) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Leadfingers Anybody who listens to Sara Kennedy of a morning will know that Christmas sprouts should have been put on to simmer in April,at the very latest. |
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12 Dec 02 - 09:52 AM (#845868) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Ella who is Sooze Hmmm, I heard Tezza Wogan and Pauly discussing this this morning too, so it's too late anyways.... even more jumping up and down in gleee - hurrahhhhhhhh! |
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12 Dec 02 - 10:27 AM (#845899) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: smallpiper KJ - a relaible (hahahahahaha) source ie brother oakley hissel. He told me last night that he has stock piled the sprouts on board his ice breaker which is moored somewhere on the humber. I have great concerns about this 1) are they refrigerated because if not we have an ice breaker that is filling up with the gasses given off by rotting sprouts and 2) Oakleys flatulance - put them together and we have the makings of a rather large bang which could destroy a large part of north lincs and east yorks. This might not wory some people who don't live here but......... |
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12 Dec 02 - 10:45 AM (#845915) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Llanfair Dogs were going apeshit this morning because someone was hanging a wreath on my door for me. Perhaps you live in the wrong place Liz? It was actually my friend Christine, who makes them, and exchanged a finished wreath for some dried orange slices, which I do in the rayburn to go in the mulled wine kits.........but that's a whole nother story. My sprouts are still growing in the garden. Not very big, but should be tasty. Cheers, Bron. |
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12 Dec 02 - 10:50 AM (#845921) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: MMario The little ones are sweeter - I think. Have seen some lovely wreaths MADE of dried orange slices. |
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12 Dec 02 - 11:19 AM (#845937) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Catherine Jayne Tell Oakley he really must share those sprouts with fellow sprout loving catters!!!.....It's not fair for him to stock pile them for himeself!!! |
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12 Dec 02 - 01:36 PM (#846057) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: open mike Steve--I believe the other name for horse chestnuts is buckeye?? these plants are poisonous to bees and all other critters. the "fruits" were used by native people to stun fish and when they rise to the surface they are scooped up/./ i have the other kind, although i am fond of the shiny, maroon pods of the buckeye tree. And for the reason that my ansectors lived in a sod dug-out house on a homestead near a small community named Buckeye in Nebraska. |
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12 Dec 02 - 06:33 PM (#846271) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Liz the Squeak Sweet chestnuts, the ones with the almost furry spiny husks. Roasted or boiled, skinned, then tossed in melted butter... hmmmmmmm. I did think about wiring it to the mains, but thought that might be a little awkward... I'd have to clear the charred remains off the step every morning. LTS |
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12 Dec 02 - 07:30 PM (#846318) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: DougR My Guru: "Mushy peas over chips." Sorry friend, you lost me there. Sounds awful! *G* DougR |
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12 Dec 02 - 08:50 PM (#846361) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Geoff the Duck openmike - Sweet Chestnuts - before you put them under a grill or at the edge of an open fire, prick the shell with a sharp knife tolet the steam escape. Cook them until the outer shell (Not the green prickly bit - you have already removed the "Nut" ) goes black and charred. The inner "Brain - shaped" chestnut should be perfect for eating. When done under a grill, they often explode like popcorn, and that is a good hint thet they are probably done (if you can find the bits). Quack!!! GtD p.s. Sprouts are ACE! |
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13 Dec 02 - 07:35 PM (#847001) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Stilly River Sage I love it! Another food thread. Yes, the cornbread thread was a classic. A couple of notes: --Buckeye isn't the same as Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum, used to be called Hippocastenum stelleri). You'll find medicinal uses here (can't vouch for the site, it just came up in a Google search). This site says that, among other things, this tree gets its name because it used to be used as an herb to treat horses coughs. It's native to Asia. --Brussels sprouts are in the mustard family (crucifere) along with Broccoli and cauliflower and cabbage. Good for you, especially helpful in warding off cancer. I've never thought much of sprouts one way or the other. These descriptions sound good, however. Hate Lima beans. I grew up eating wonderful split pea soup, and my mother considered it a traditional delicacy from the Danish side of her family. I think the Andersens restaurants in California reference their Danish heritage. I like theirs, but it is a little thin. I make a good batch of soup--so thick that when it's cold in the fridge you can stand a spoon straight up in it and it will stay put. We used to take a batch in the cooler with us when we went camping in cold weather. It was wonderful reheated on the Coleman stove. You warmed your hands on the bowl, and split pea soup, like chicken pot pie, has special powers to hold heat a long time (this is a family observation only, but perhaps someone can offer corroboration?). I use parsnips in stew, and love them, but I've never tried cooking them another way (they're sometimes hard to find down here in Texas). If you roast them, how do you serve them? What other recipes are out there for parsnips? Did anyone ever tell us what "Bubble and Squeak" is? This has me thinking of cold-weather favorites. Now if I could just get the kids to eat oatmeal with raisins in it. I guess I'm lucky they'll eat oatmeal, in this age of toaster pastry and dry cereal. I'm going to stop and buy a couple of hamhocks and a package of split peas on my way home. Mmmm! Just what would hit the spot, split pea soup! I'll be home sewing for my Santee on Saturday, and can step into the kitchen every so often to see if it needs stirring. It's best cooked for a long time on low heat. And must have LOTS of garlic. . . SRS |
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13 Dec 02 - 08:20 PM (#847038) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: smallpiper Your split pea soup sounds very much like peaspudding very thick when cold and you spread it on ham sandwiches bloody wonderfull! Bubble and squeek is cabbage (or sprouts) mixed with mashed potatoes and fried untill crispy around the edges wonderfulllllllllll. |
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14 Dec 02 - 01:35 AM (#847176) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Stilly River Sage I haven't tried spreading this soup on anything, but it does sound good! (It's thick enough to work like hummus with pita bread.) I worked late tonight but got to the grocery store before they closed. I have my ham hock and split peas, so it's soup tomorrow. SRS |
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14 Dec 02 - 11:33 AM (#847332) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,JennyO Pea and ham soup - yum - best thing for winter! The thicker the better! It has to be a smoked ham hock - makes it tastier. I always thought bubble and squeak was any leftover veges, fried up the next day in a bit of butter. Pretty much always includes potatoes to hold the whole thing together. Jenny |
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14 Dec 02 - 06:45 PM (#847503) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Liz the Squeak Got my sprouts... I'm a happy bunny.... Brassicas rule!! LTS |
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14 Dec 02 - 07:53 PM (#847530) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Rapparee Try this for parsnips and carrots (or both together): 1. Boil up some parsnip and/or carrots cut into chunks. 2. When they're done to your liking, drain off the water. 3. Put in a lump of butter, the size proportional to the amount you've cooked. 4. Pitch in some brown sugar (I like to use demarara) and some prepared mustard -- both the taste, start small and add as you like. If you've cooked parsnips either alone or with carrots, try adding just a touch of cinnamon or allspice. 5. Fold it all together to coat the veggies. 6. Serve it. Lie and tell people it was all horribly complicated and took absolute AGES. (I got this from a graduate of the CIA -- the Culinary Institute of American, not the other one.) |
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14 Dec 02 - 08:36 PM (#847541) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,Folkmonster Sprouts eh? How would YOU feel if a giant cabbage came into your house at Christmas and ate all YOUR babies? FM PS. Parsnip chips. Now there's a treat. |
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14 Dec 02 - 09:34 PM (#847564) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: catspaw49 Living in the "Buckeye State" I can assure you that a Buckeye is not a food source folks....unless you want to eat the Ohio Stae University football team (nicknamed the Buckeyes). At some time in the distant past I mentioned bad tasting chestnuts and was assaulted by other members here explaining different grades and types and how I had eaten the wrong ones. Since that time I have been educated into the ways of the chestnut world and sampled what I was told to try and now I must say this: My thinking on chestnuts has not changed one fraction of one tiny iota. If ever something was to substitute for dog shit, the chestnut must surely be the thing! I have never tasted dog shit personally although with two largish Weimaraners the possibility has presented itself. Even without that experience, I just feel absolutely sure that between chestnuts and dog shit, there is not the slightest difference. Anyone who would like some "chestnuts" ..... I'd be more than happy to send you some Weimshit which probably also has fewer calories. Spaw |
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15 Dec 02 - 01:58 AM (#847643) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Stilly River Sage Spaw, Such a message to follow! Sheesh. I made a batch of my soup (made a double batch) and it's wonderful! Cooked the ham hock, peas, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic until they were all gooshy (not a technical term, but applicable here). I pulled out my food processor that the mover broke about three years ago (dropped the box and popped a plastic piece off of the lid) and figured out how to stick a piece of bamboo into the safety switch and make it run. I pureed my soup, then added about a cup of minced ham, and the meat off of the smoked ham hock. SRS |
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15 Dec 02 - 03:49 AM (#847661) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Liz the Squeak Hmmm sounds wonderful (except for the celery, has a weird effect on me considering exactly what it is... flavoured water in a stick). We got what felt like half a pig yesterday (in various forms but the largest bit was a ham) so will try this when we've disposed of every other method/cut/recipe. Spaw - I'm sorry you don't like chestnuts... they should be nutty and quite sweet, with a firm, moist texture... they aren't very nice when they go all fluffy and dry, or when they are undercooked. I'm not going to insist though... you probably like eating lots of things I don't (like marmite) and you've never tried to convert me to those... just eat what you like and enjoy it... but please don't give up trying new things. Otherwise I won't have any other recourse when Bratling won't try something new! LTS |
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15 Dec 02 - 04:08 AM (#847670) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: open mike yum yes it is soup weather cold rainy and windy and dark all adds up to a simmering pot of soup--borscht? split pea? cream of mushroom? yum, yum. is peas porridge hot peas porridge cold peas porridge in the pot 9 days old the same as split pea soup or mushy peas?? I gotr some fresh beets with greens/tops and I am looking forward to some borscht with a dollop of sour cream... |
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15 Dec 02 - 04:28 AM (#847676) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: Cluin Spaw, you may have stumbled onto the greatest food-related conspiracy since ol' Chuck found out that Soylent Green was PEOPLE! But you ain't heard that from me.... |
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15 Dec 02 - 10:03 AM (#847754) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: EBarnacle1 I have recently overcome my dislike of beets and discovered what I have been missing, both as a veggie and as borscht. Pea soup, when properly prepared, will thicken up to make a very acceptable spread. [See my cookbook, "Very Basic Cooking with Captain Clumsy," in preparation.] I have tried B Sprouts at various ages and stages (and we get them from the farmers' market here) and can state authoritatively that they are an acquired taste and I probably will never acquire a taste for them. |
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15 Dec 02 - 10:40 AM (#847765) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,Mal Sprouts are something you grow into, like traditional music! My kids reckon you have to be 40+ to appreciate them. If, like me, you always do too many, the leftovers taste lovely for Boxing Day breakfast mashed up and grilled on toast. Mal |
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15 Dec 02 - 01:06 PM (#847823) Subject: RE: BS: Sprout shortage From: GUEST,Bman Love those sprouts, ever since I was a kid. Pea soup, too, but that's a taste I acquired as an adult. My mom's way to cook sprouts: soak 'em in salt water and pick 'em over. Take off the outside leaves. Cut a cross in the stem end and parboil in salted water until almost tender. Put 'em in a casserole with some butter and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. Bake 'em in the oven until they're tender but not mushy. Great stuff. I wish I had some right now. (I usually cheat and use frozen ones, works fine. You can do 'em in the microwave, too; works almost as well.) regards, Bman |