Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels spouts? Oh-yes please! You may have turned your nose up at these cute little cabbages, but try them again, especially roasted.  Roasting brings out the natural sugars in vegetables, making them sweeter tasting, without adding on the calories.  You will amaze even the kiddos (yes, they will try them, maybe even ask for seconds).
Brussels sprouts are in the cabbage/cruciferous family, which has been linked to many health benefits such as decreased cancer risk, heart health, and detoxifying. The following is a super easy and enjoyable way to eat these little powerhouses!

Serves: 8 sides 
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts
• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• freshly ground pepper
• 1-2 tbsp of balsamic (our favorite is an espresso flavored balsamic, but regular is fine)

Instructions:

1. Cut sprouts in half length wise
2. Place onto a cooking sheet (our favorite is a stoneware sheet, but regular cookie sheet with a rim is fine)
3. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper
4. Roast at 375 for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned, flipping half way through to cook evenly. Be sure not to overcook, or you'll decrease the nutritional value, as well as run the risk of making them bitter.
5. Drizzle with balsamic and enjoy!
   

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in Vitamin K: 194% in 1 cup (about 3 oz)
• Jam packed with Vitamin C (yes, it's in more than oranges!) 120% of daily value in just 1 cup/3 oz.; an amazing anti-oxidant that helps with immune function
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces risk of heart disease, improves circulation, decrease cholesterol
• Zero Fat raw, in this recipe low in Fat: 14g of fat in entire recipe, due to oil
• Good source of  Fiber: 3 g per 3 oz serving