Basil Brussels Sprouts Food

CAESAR SALAD WITH BACON, BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BASIL

Steps:

• Make the dressing: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the egg yolk, mustard, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Pulse to blend. With the machine running, pour the lemon juice and caper brine into the mix. Slowly pour in the olive oil, then the canola oil, blending until smooth. Transfer the dressing to a bowl and taste for seasoning. Stir in the anchovies and anchovy oil. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, or up to 1 day.
• Prepare the salad: Cook the bacon in a small skillet over low heat, stirring, until crispy, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• Heat 1 inch canola oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F (or alternatively, use a deep fryer). Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Put the capers in a small metal strainer, submerge them in the hot oil and fry until crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on the paper towels. Add the Brussels sprout leaves to the hot oil in small batches (step back because they will splatter oil) and fry until crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the paper towels using a slotted spoon. Season the leaves with salt.
• Assemble the salad: Pour about three-quarters of the dressing into a large salad bowl. Add the romaine, basil and grated parmesan and toss to coat. Shave additional parmesan over the salad. Top with the remaining dressing, the bacon, capers and Brussels sprout leaves. Serve immediately. Photograph by Kang Kim

BASIC GARLIC BUTTER BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• If you can, get your brussels sprouts from a store that sells them loose in bins; pick out the smaller, tight sprouts.
• To cook them, clean and trim the sprouts, removing the bottom stem and tougher outside leaves (very important!).
• You've already cut the bottom of the stalk off: now cut an"X" into the bottom of each sprout (about an 1/8 of an inch deep).
• Steam the sprouts for about 20 minutes, until they are soft (everybody prefers theirs in their own way, but I cannot stand crunchy brussels sprouts).
• While the sprouts are steaming, sauté the minced garlic in a little bit of butter for about 3 minutes, then combine them into the rest of the melted butter.
• When spouts are done cooking place them in a serving dish, pour the melted garlic butter over the sprouts, season lightly with salt and pepper, and serve.

BASIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Cut off the stem end of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellowing outer leaves. Cut each Brussels sprout in half from top to bottom. Place the Brussels sprouts, water and salt into a 3 to 4-quart saucier and cover. Place over high heat and cook for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove and serve immediately.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH GARLIC, PECANS AND BASIL

Steps:

• Combine brussels sprouts, cream and garlic in heavy large skillet. Bring to boil over medium-low heat. Cover skillet tightly and cook until brussels sprouts are crisp-tender but still bright green and almost all cream is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, finely grind pecans with basil leaves and lemon peel in processor. Add pecan mixture to skillet. Toss until brussels sprouts are coated. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs and lemon wedges, if desired, and serve.