Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Sabine Women, Road Works,

Not a lot on TV on Tuesday night, PBS is doing a programme about the Viet Nam War. I wonder what kind of audience they are getting. It started at the weekend and is continuing, I don't know how long. So, we watched one of Matt's favourites, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It is a very enjoyable film - total romance of course. But some of the story is based on the story of the Abduction of the Sabine Women which I have just discovered was a myth. However, I had forgotten that one  thing stated in the movie is that the tradition of carrying a bride over the threshold began with that story. Now I wonder how true that is. The incident is usually referred to as The Rape of the Sabine Women but Wikipedia says that is a mis-translation of the Roman word Rapta which is more like abduction than rape. Amazing what you learn just picking up things from a movie. Anyway, we love the music and as a young woman I always loved Howard Keel who had a magnificent voice as did Jane Powell, his co-star.

Tuesday is grocery shopping for us and they have kindly pulled up all the roads and left only one way into the store. Because of this people were going through a gas station to get to the other side of the road works. I would imagine the owners of the station would be totally teed off by that. I can't believe they totally blocked off a fairly busy road rather than doing one side and then the other. I cannot imagine what all these road works are costing the city. What with the LRT (Light Rail Transport) which still isn't completed although lots of the roads are now open again.

I know lots of people out there don't like Brussels Sprouts. Never really understood why except for a short period before I realised that the water in my building distorted the taste and I started using distilled water to cook them. However, I came across this recipe and thought maybe this would help. They are, after all, so good for you.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These perfectly crispy garlic parmesan roasted brussels sprouts are easy and quick to put together and only calls for a few ingredients.

1 lb brussels sprouts trimmed
2 Tbs olive oil extra virgin
1 Tbs garlic powder or to taste
1 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper ground
1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. Clean the brussels sprouts by rinsing in cold water, cutting off the end of the stem, and discarding it.

3. Place in a bowl and mix Brussels sprouts together with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Transfer to a baking sheet and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

5. Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese if preferred and serve warm.

Servings: 4

Source: Jo Cooks
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Have a great day
 

16 comments:

  1. My mother loved Brussels sprouts but I loathed them - still do actually. I enjoy everything else in the cabbage family and I really want to like them but I've never been able to get past the cooked smell.

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    1. Odd isn't it Helen? I don't remember ever not liking them until I was cooking them in the 'softened' water in this building. Once I started cooking them in distilled water they tasted delicious again.

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  2. I'm not big on Brussel sprouts but those look quite tasty.
    Good luck with the roads.

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    1. You are not alone Sandra. Thanks, we need luck.

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  3. I am watching The Vietnam War. It is hard to sit through, but I am learning a lot I did not know before. It is on my DVR, so I can stop and continue later. Which I had to do last night when they were talking about the corrupt regime in the South.

    I never liked Brussels Sprouts until we made them in a culinary class. Quick cooked on the stove in a saute pan. Later I learned to love them roasted in the oven. Probably will make them for the holidays as per usual.

    Good luck with your road work. They are doing a major road here closing only one side at a time. Unfortunately, both my son and I have seen idiots driving on the closed portion and also driving on the open portion but driving the wrong way.

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    1. At least you are watching it Denise. I'm afraid I couldn't be less interested. Especially night after night. Yes, I remember you like them roasted. The road works round here are beginning to drive us nuts, or maybe not beginning.

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  4. Hi Jo - bought some Brussel Sprouts yesterday - they're delicious like this! Good luck with the roads ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Morning Hilary. I have bought some more baby bok choy which we are really enjoying. Certainly need good luck.

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  5. I didn't know that about the Sabine women. I must learn more. That would make a great A-Z topic- romantic traditions and how they started. Hmm.

    You'll probably not be shocked, but I hate Brussel sprouts. But I do keep trying veggies I hate. My mom made a big bowl of Brussel sprouts and they looked delicious with some onion and red pepper. I popped one on my mouth and I thought I'd gag. I just can't get pat that taste- which is weird because they smell like cooked cabbage and I like cooked cabbage.

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    1. I must have known it Liz, because I have seen the movie lots of times but I guess it didn't stick. There was something about the spear too but don't remember what. Not the obvious.

      No I'm not really surprised. they do have a stronger taste than cooked cabbage. Maybe you should try roasting them like Denise (above) does.

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  6. Nothing in this world would convince me to eat a Brussels sprout.

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  7. I didn't mind Brussels sprouts as a kid. Mum had a pressure cooker and cooked lean steak and three vegetables every night. It was boring but healthy I suppose. A bit of butter and pepper makes any vegetable tolerable. My parents met Howard Keel in 1972 at the Hobart Casino!

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    1. I don't ever remember not liking them Pinky. It does sound somewhat boring. Lucky parents, did they say what he was like?

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  8. I am taping (DVR) The Vietnam War and am looking forward to watching this even though I know it will be brutal. Love 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. Love Howard keel's voice and jane powell was so delicate next to him. The Barn raising dance is the highlight and love Jacques D'Ambroise. I knew it was based on the Sabine Women. My mom loves brussel Sprouts but I can't stand the taste

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    1. I guess the Vietnam War was - to me as a Brit - and American war and I was not particularly interested in it at the time.

      I was always a big fan of Howard Keel. Used to watch all his films and drool over him.

      You are not alone Birgit.

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