Brussels Sprouts and Smoky Onions on Cheddar Toast

I forget about certain foods all the time and before I know it 5 months have flown by and I haven't eaten one carrot, or a spoonful of peas and an ear of corn. And that makes me crazy. How could I possibly forget to eat some of the things I truly like?

Well, I feel like that with brussels sprouts, too. Now, Drew's not a big fan of these little guys which explains why we don't keep them around but that's changed. Last week, I went to the store and grabbed a big old bag of sprouts to make up for lost time. This recipe looks increadable and I cannot wait to test it out!

Brussels Sprouts and Smoky Onions on Cheddar Toast

From F&W

1. 1 pound brussels sprouts, thinly sliced lengthwise
2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 1 large onion, finely diced
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
6. 4 slices of multigrain bread, toasted
7. 4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the brussels sprouts until they are just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add the paprika, cover and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is tender, about 10 minutes; add a little water if the onion dries out.
3. Add the brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook until tender throughout, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the toasts on a baking sheet and top with the cheddar. Bake for 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted; mound the brussels sprouts and onions on top and serve.

Brussels Sprouts and Smoky Onions on Cheddar Toast

Special Happy Hour at Press Club Tonight

Hey San Francisco! Want to help fight breast cancer by drinking half priced wines by the glass with a chance to score 2 Warriors basketball tickets? I figured you would...

Head down to Press Club TONIGHT on 4th and Market under the 4 Season hotel to enjoy some rockin' Oracle Red Wine and the other usual suspects. Happy hour runs from 6-9pm. Hope to see you all there!

Special Happy Hour at Press Club Tonight

Bibb Lettuce with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Chive Aïoli

Anybody out there feeling fat these days? Yeah, me too. It's called February.

This is the time of year where winter weather is getting realllly old, the holiday lbs are still lingering and you don't have a tan unless you get on a plane or go spray it on. February really is a drag.

One of the ways I like to swing into the spring mood is to eat a little lighter. This salad is easy to assemble and if you really want to lighten it up you can skip the aïoli and make a simple lemon vinaigrette at home. Hang in there, spring is right around the corner.

Bibb Lettuce with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Chive Aïoli 2 cups mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

• 4 heads of Bibb lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (about 24 cups)
• 1 1/4 pounds cooked bay shrimp
• 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

Whisk first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper.

Cook asparagus in pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well. (Dressing and asparagus can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)

Toss lettuce with half of shrimp, half of tomatoes, and half of asparagus in large shallow bowl. Top salad with remaining shrimp, tomatoes, and asparagus. Drizzle salad with dressing and serve.

Bibb Lettuce with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Chive Aïoli