Simple Brussels Sprouts with Apricots and Nutmeg

Author Notes

I grew up thinking that Brussels sprouts must have committed a personal offense against my father, as he forbade my mother from ever bringing them near our kitchen. Years later, I found myself at a holiday luncheon in London, where I was told that Brussels sprouts were tantamount to an English Christmas dinner. I forced myself to taste one, out of good manners, and I was surprised to find that I absolutely LOVED them. Now that I'm stateside again, I cook them every year at Christmas as a tribute to my first introduction to these colorful little morsels. And, I've even managed to change my dad's opinion along the way. - The Internet Cooking Princess —theicp

Test Kitchen Notes

It looks, smells, and even tastes like Christmas! Simple Brussels Sprouts is as easy to make as the name suggests. As the sprouts sauté, they turn a vibrant bright green. The dried apricots plump up and become cranberry colored. Four cloves of garlic mellow in the butter and oil, giving the dish a garlicky flair that is not overpowering. The nutmeg adds a peppery note, and completes the Christmas theme. The sprouts manage to keep their crispness, while the apricots contrast with an addicting gummy, chewy texture. As an added bonus, the salad will probably match whatever Christmas decorations are up! - cbear1984 —The Editors