A roasted turkey is seen in this Oct. 14, 2008 photo. If you don't want to figure out how many hours per pound are needed to cook a turkey, never mind remembering to remove the giblets before hoisting the big bird into a roasting pan, a takeout Christmas dinner with all the trimmings may be just the ticket. It seems there are many catering companies and hotels across the country willing to help those who have neither the time nor inclination to make a festive dinner have themselves a merry little Christmas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Larry Crowe
December 10, 2012 - 10:21 AM
For those who want to order a cooked turkey and prepare the side dishes, here is a delicious recipe for brussels sprouts with pancetta and cream that is sure to become a new Christmas dinner tradition.
Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Cream
Brussels sprouts are sadly mistreated and usually overcooked, says Jane Rodmell, owner of All The Best Fine Foods in Toronto. Simply blanch the sprouts until just resistant to the bite and toss with browned butter, salt and pepper or combine, as here, with smoky bacon and cream to make a delicious side dish for roasted or grilled meats.
1 kg (2 lbs) brussels sprouts, trimmed
90 g (3 oz) pancetta, cut in thin strips
250 ml (1 cup) whipping (35 per cent) cream
15 ml (1 tbsp) butter
1 ml (1/4 tsp) freshly grated nutmeg
1 ml (1/4 tsp) cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
50 ml (1/4 cup) toasted pine nuts (optional)
In a large pot of boiling lightly salted water, cook brussels sprouts until al dente, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well. Cut in half lengthwise when cool enough to handle. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute pancetta until crisp and lightly browned. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain. Set aside. Discard all but 15 ml (1 tbsp) of the fat from pan.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat cream over low heat. Simmer until reduced to about 175 ml (3/4 cup) and lightly thickened.
In the skillet, add butter to reserved fat and heat over medium heat. Add brussels sprouts, in batches, and brown lightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Return all sprouts to the skillet. Season with nutmeg and cayenne. Stir in reserved pancetta and cream reduction and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot garnished with pine nuts, if desired.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Source: "All The Best Recipes" by Jane Rodmell (Robert Rose Inc., 2009).
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012