Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Pecans

So I had never had brussels sprouts until I now. Let me tell you I have been truly missing out. They are phenomenal. Seriously though...I am not kidding. I am been slightly obsessed with maple syrup lately, so I thought, what the heck why not try them with brussels sprouts. I am sure glad I did. I mean it might seem like a weird combination, but it is a goodie. I have been known in my family to have weird combinations. I just love trying new things!! 

I am so excited about this dish especially because I have brussels sprouts planted in my garden! Nothing beats home grown fruits and vegetables. I don't know if it is the fact that you put the work in and can see what it has produced or if it actually does taste better. Personally, I think it is probably both. Seriously though, it is so worth having a garden! I told my dad that I am going to have a garden so large that I will be able to live off of it. He seemed to be a little skeptical about it. It is going to happen though! I sure hope you all like this dish as much as I do. It would be great for a light lunch or a side dish accompanying a dinner. 

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Pecans
Serves 2 for a light lunch or 4 as a side dish 

Ingredients:
2lb. / 4 cups brussel sprouts
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 apple, sliced
1/4 cup raw pecans, chopped

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Rinse the brussels sprouts thoroughly and dry.
3. Remove the stem of the brussels sprouts and slice in half.
4. Place the brussels sprouts in a large bowl and pour maple syrup over them. Stir until the maple syrup is covering the brussels sprouts.
5. Saute the brussels sprouts in a pan over medium heat until the maple syrup slightly caramelizes on the brussels sprouts.
6. Pour the brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, until tender. Keep bowl with remaining syrup!
7. In the bowl, add in the pecans and sliced apple. Stir until they are covered with maple syrup.
8. Half-way through baking the brussels sprouts add the apples in the oven.
9. After 20-30 minutes is up, add the pecans and bake another 10 minutes.

Honey Greek Yogurt, Granola, Blueberry-Apple Sauce, and Fresh Fruit: Perfect Breakfast!

Sometimes you need a little spice up to your breakfast! I definitely do at times. That is probably why I have been posting so many breakfast recipes. As I was looking through the recipes that I have posted thus far, I realized that they all are sweet and no actual meals. So I will be working on that. Studying has been getting the best of me, and time is limited.

I found this recipe on Sarah Britton's blog. It was a guest post from Green Kitchen Stories. Both of these blogs are great, and I highly recommend them for healthy tips and recipes! Everything that I have made from both of these blogs have be absolutely delicious. Also, not only are they delicious, but all the recipes are loaded with nutrition.



I have been wanted to find something nice and easy to bring to school for my lunch break. This has been the perfect treat! It is filling and seriously tastes so good. I never thought of combining apples and blueberries together, but let me tell you, it is an awesome combination. Recently, I have been using jars a lot, and I love them! They are BPA free because they are glass, and they seal tightly so nothing will leak out. Just so perfect! I highly recommend them.

Blueberry-Apple Sauce

Adapted from My New Roots

Ingredients:

1 cup blueberry (fresh or frozen)

1 apple, diced 

2 Tbsp. apple sauce (or sweetener of choice)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. 

2. Bring to a boil then turn down heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. 

3. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender. If a chunky texture is desired use a fork.

4. Store in the refrigerator.

Yogurt, Granola, Blueberry-Apple Sauce Assembly

Blueberry-Apple Sauce 

Granola (I used homemade recipe soon to come)

Honey Greek Yogurt

Fresh Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi or any other fruit desired)

Place two spoonfuls of blueberry-apple sauce on the bottom. Then add 2-3 spoonfuls of granola. On top of the granola add 2-3 spoonfuls of honey Greek yogurt. Top with fruit and enjoy! 

I prepare this the night before and place it in the fridge to save time in the morning, and it keeps great!