Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, with their round, compact, green buds were developed in Flanders during the Middle Ages. They have a delicate, nutty flavour, especially when they are small, tasting their best when they are cooked until they are just tender, but not too soft.

Sprouts are sold during the winter and spring in nets, loose or ready-trimmed in punnets. They are the traditional accompaniment to the Christmas turkey along with cooked chestnuts, but may be served more simply by tossing in butter, coating in mornay sauce, or by adding to a few slices of chopped crisply fried bacon.