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But when I checked the name of the package and it says, "Chris", that always gets me a bit excited. And when there's a label on the box that says OXO ... well that's REALLY cool! It means that it might just be new kitchen toys for me to play with!
That's the kind of package I received several weeks ago. I had put my name in the hat to be part of a culinary challenge sponsored by OXO and Plated; The Very Vegetarian Recipe Challenge. I was happy to be chosen as one of the participants. We were all given the same OXO tools to use to create a brand new recipe. When mine arrived, I quickly tore open the box (my husband says I open boxes like "a wild animal". I'm trying to be better ... but not when it's a box from OXO!).
My culinary wheels starting whirrrrrrrring! I thought of all sorts of ways to use the different tools; but in end, I decided on a delicious seasonal salad - a Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette. I love shaved Brussels sprouts, but usually purchase them in a bag all sliced up. Why? Because, honestly, it's quite a pain to paper-thinly slice the little green cabbages. I'm kind of bad about cutting myself too when I'm doing such detailed, tedious slicing.
I won't be needing to purchase the expensive bags of Brussels sprouts any more.. I used the OXO Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer and I was done shaving the 20 sprouts for my salad in the blink of an eye! It's very compact, for easy storage and has three adjustments for slice width. It also comes with a safety shield, which holds the food in place while you slice. No bandaids on these fingers as I type away today!
I used the 9-inch Whisk to make my salad dressing. It was perfect for stirring everything together and for adding the oils. It's got a comfy handle and is a bit smaller than all my other whisks. It worked great, fitting perfectly in the small pan I used to reduce the cider, and there was less splashing than a larger whisk would create.
Oh, and just a bit about this delicious salad. I honestly could eat it every day ... well to be really honest, I kind of have been doing that ... I had it for lunch both yesterday and today and for dinner last night. I have a sneaking suspicion that some version of it will find its' way into our evening meal tonight too. It's a perfect combination of flavors, texture and healthy ingredients. This marvelous salad is fresh and pretty, with fun ribbons of shaved Brussels sprouts, crisp, diced red apple and tangy blue cheese. The crunchy, buttery whole-grain croutons, with just a touch of sweet honey and cinnamon, add a bit of heartiness and complement the other ingredients.
The dressing comes together quickly. It's sweet, tangy and so good you might just be tempted to drink it right from the jar! The sweetness comes naturally (no sugar or artificial sweeteners) from apple cider which is reduced till it's bursting with fabulous apple flavor. A clove of minced garlic, a squeeze of Dijon and a splash of apple cider vinegar are added before olive oil is slowly drizzled in.
Put it all together and you've got a winner. Oh, and if your family/friends/kids think they don't like Brussels sprouts ... well, you might not want to hold off telling them what the pretty green ribbons of deliciousness are. Wait till they start raving about the salad, then you can share the secret!
- 2 slices whole grain bread crusts removed and cut into ½ inch dice
- 2 teaspoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 small clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 20 fairly large Brussels sprouts
- 1 small red Delicious apple cored and cut in ¼ inch dice
- 2-3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
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Preheat oven to 325˚ F. Line a small baking tray with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
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Combine butter, honey and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir to combine and add bread cubes. Toss gently and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Spread apart to form a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crisp, stirring every 5 minutes.
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Place cider in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly syrupy and reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Be careful to keep and eye on it so that it does not reduce down too much. Add mustard, minced garlic and vinegar, whisk to combine. Add olive oil in a slow steady stream, whisking continuously. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
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While cider is reducing, prepare salad. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice Brussels sprouts into thin slices, separating the slices into ribbons. Discard solid cores, if desired. (I actually like the cores. They are sliced so thin, to me, they just add a nice bit of crunch.)
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To assemble salads, divide Brussels sprout ribbons between two serving plates. Top with diced apples and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle lightly with Cider Dressing and top with Whole-Grain Honey Croutons. Pass extra dressing at the table.
Kim G. says
Oh! I love your salad... shaved brussel sprout, I love it!
Sally @ Good Dinner Mom says
This looks delicious. Love your recipes. I have to give you a bit of feedback, however. The ad space you have planted in your header area is a major turnoff. Just food for thought.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sally, thanks for your honest feedback. It's part of a campaign that I committed to. It won't be on any other posts.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Oxo is one of my favorite brands, everything is always so pretty! Loving that you made a shaved Brussels Sprouts meal, definitely something I could enjoy much! Thanks for sharing!
Mari @ Once Upon a Plate says
Hi Chris, what a clutz I am. I left a comment here for you yesterday (but I evidently neglected to press PUBLISH!)
I just wanted to say that I would award the Blue Ribbon to you for this entry, it meets all the criteria put forth, and it is gorgeous and healthy to boot! Brava!! I would love to try this very soon. Thank you for sharing! (Stunning photos as always ~ perfection!)
Liz Berg says
I've made a shaved Brussels sprouts salad, but my next one MUST have apples and blue cheese! Wow!
Veronica Miller says
Oh so lovely! How fun to get a package like that and to create a meal with it. Your salad is jsut beautiful and I adore blue cheese and apple together in a salad (though grilled chicken is also loved along with those) - this sounds fabulous.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Wow Chris this is so cool! The salad looks amazing and the sprouts shaved perfectly. This is a fun, interesting post - you are the salad queen in my book!
Kate from Scratch says
So healthy and full of flavor --gorgeous color too. Great photos and a delightful recipe too!
Pam says
It looks so pretty and delicious. I love the combination of flavors and textures.
easyfoodsmith says
Love those flavors in this beautiful salad.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
I love this salad,Chris! It reminds of an autumn coleslaw. Sharing...
Angie Schneider says
I love the autumn flavours in this gorgeous salad. The dressing sounds lovely too.
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh my Chris, you know how I love my sprouts and paired with apples its just amazing!!! I LOVE your recipe! Now you got me craving Brussels Sprouts!
Sandra Lee says
This is the prettiest Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad w/ Blue Cheese, Whole Grain Honey Croutons & Cider Vinaigrette I've ever seen! As a matter of fact it's the first and it's beautiful. Getting a package from OXO is like Christmas morning, they are awesome.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Oh boy do I like getting packages! There's really no such thing as a bad package really not like in the mail where you can get bills.
I've never thought to shave brussel sprouts like this. What an ingenious way to use them Chris!
Kitchen Riffs says
I LUV shaved Brussels sprouts, and because I have a mandoline, always do my own. I'm actually good enough with a knife to do it that way, too, but it takes forever! Anyway, glad you hit the jackpot in your package. And happy you made us this great salad - looks wonderful! Thanks so much.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Need to try this... Never had a shaved brussels sprouts salad... Yum.
Lenia says
Great tools.I love everything about your salad! Yummy!!!
Kisses,dear Chris!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love these flavors, such a wonderful fall salad. And those croutons - yes please!
La Table De Nana says
Fun package for sure:-)
And lovely sprouts..great colors.
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
This sounds like a very healthy and tasty meal! Congrats on your new kitchen toys Chris-enjoy:@)
Theresa Chu says
I love the addition of blue cheese in a salad. Pinned for later!
Ginny says
Wow, the contents of the box are all awesome!!! I have used Oxo for years, they are really good.
Kim | a little lunch says
I'm thinking this would be a lovely side dish for Thanksgiving -- but I'll have to taste test it (possibly every day) until then. What a great combination of flavors and textures. I also like your take on croutons. To answer your poll, yes, I love getting packages, too!
Suzie says
I love packages too Chris but, they mainly come for my husband also. You have to love when they come for us! I have missed you my sweet friend. I'm glad to be back and will have a blog up soon. This salad, of course, sounds divine!