Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Orange, Dried Cranberry, Toasted Pecan, & Rosemary

The holiday season is around the corner. It's not yet December, but lets face it...in this part of the world we are surrounded by all things Christmas by the time Halloween is over. I can't write a post about a holiday side dish without admitting that as an adult I have a love hate relationship with Christmas. The spending, the commercialism, the pressure to be everywhere, and see everyone. BUT....the lights! the snow! the food! Family! Friends! A crackling fire! Sparkly Things! There is a balance to be struck for sure. Obviously the food part gets my brain churning. So here is a simple side dish ready to grace any holiday table. 

I do love brussels sprouts. They have a slight bitterness to them, so I like to balance them with some sweetness. They do lend well to simply being roasted until they are caramelized (Yum), but for this shaved brussels sprouts dish I've added some orange juice, dried cranberries, and a touch of maple syrup to provide that balance. Also in there you'll find a little bit of minced rosemary, shallot, toasted pecans & some vegan butter.  Seems like a lot of ingredients maybe, but it's all pretty simple to throw together.  

Recipe

Ingredients:
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• 1 lb (16 oz) trimmed brussels sprouts (I started with about 20oz before trimming)
• 3 tbsp vegan butter
• 1/4 cup small diced shallot 
• a few pinches minced fresh rosemary
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or a touch more to taste)
• squeeze of lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Start by thinly slicing your brussels sprouts. I cut them in half first if they are larger. Then in a sauté pan over medium high heat melt vegan butter then add shaved brussels sprouts, and minced shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Keep cooking them until they begin to soften. 
2.  Add orange juice to the pan and cook until almost reduced. Add in the rosemary, maple, squeeze of lemon and cranberries. Taste and adjust seasoning and add a bit more maple if it needs more sweetness. 
3.  Lastly mix in toasted pecans. 
4.  You can garnish with extra pecans and cranberries if you wish.

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