Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I really did not care for brussels sprouts until I tried this recipe. It makes the house smell delicious and tastes great. A good friend of mine made them at a dinner party, and I cannot get enough!

Ingredients:
1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 T olive oil
1 T honey
1 to 2 t Sriracha sauce
1 T lemon juice
1/2 t grated ginger
salt & pepper

Directions:
preheat oven to 450 degrees.
peel and grate fresh ginger.
in a medium bowl, combine olive oil, honey, Sriracha, lemon guice, ginger, salt & pepper.
add brussels sprouts to bowl and mix.
place brussels sprouts on lightly greased or aluminum-foil lined baking tray.
cook for 20 minutes or until they begin to turn golden brown, turning brussels sprouts over after 10 minutes.

tips & extras

Measurements - I don't really measure this, so these are approximate amounts. Just combine everything in a bowl based on your taste preference. Quick pour of olive oil, splash of sriracha, squeeze of honey, juice of half a lemon, a bit of ginger, s & p to taste. Adjust based on taste preference and quantity.

Cooking time - Don't undercook the brussels sprouts. They are best when browned. 

Sriracha - Adjusted for taste preference. If you like heat, double or even triple the Sriracha. 

Ginger - If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use a bit of dried or just leave it out completely. I don't think dried ginger is that great of a substitute for fresh. 

Herb Chicken

Things have been crazy lately. With traveling, the holidays, and work, I can barely find time to cook! Luckily, this delicious chicken recipe saved me the other night when I was desperate for something quick and delicious. Here's to a healthy and happy new year =)

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 T dried thyme

1 T dried oregano

salt & pepper

olive oil

Directions:

outdoor grill - heat to medium heat.

grill pan - heat over medium heat until pan is hot.

pound the chicken with the flat end of a meat tenderizer until 1/2 inch thick.

brush the chicken with olive oil.

season the chicken with the dried herbs, salt & pepper.

cook chicken ~ 10 minutes per side or until juices run clear.

tips & extras:

Grill pan - See Le Creuset's tips for caring for cast iron. Most people will tell you to not grease a grill pan but to grease the meat itself. I sometimes grease the pan, but it makes cleanup a bit difficult. 

Sides - I served this with pasta and spaghetti sauce (prego is my favorite store-bought sauce). I added some cherry tomatoes I had laying around. Chicken with pasta and tomato sauce is a perfect bite.