wheat berries and Brussels sprouts without the sprouts

I have never been a fan of the English feast, nor the American TV dinner. Food that is compartmentalized, with protein blob here, veggie blog here, starchy blob there has never really appealed to me. My favourite foods are mixed-up combinations of bits of protein, veggies and grains. These foods are perfectly suited to the big bowl. They also fit the way I live. Whenever I have time, I love to take time to prepare and cook food. If I'm busy the next day, I can coast on leftovers, and I enjoy the absolutely best lunches of anyone at work. It's also a good thing, having food in the fridge for my husband and son to reheat whenever their schedules don't match mine.

When my friend Sue shared a link to a cooking blog called Oh My Veggies, I was delighted to find lots of recipes that I can't wait to try. This one appealed to me especially. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any Brussels sprouts at the veggie store or the grocery store. What is that about? I know they are a favourite Thanksgiving vegetable, so maybe it's a bit early? But they are wonderful any time, and I know they are grown in the late summer.

I was disappointed, but not defeated. I roamed around the veggie store and bought a butternut squash because it tastes good in just about everything. I also picked up some crimini mushrooms (for the same reason). Then a lady at work gave me a big bag of muddy but radiant organic home-grown carrots. I put them together with some kale and beet greens and some cherry tomatoes that I already had at home, and decided this:

squash + mushrooms + greens + carrots + tomatoes = Brussels sprouts

Do not ask me to prove this equation. Just try the recipe. I think you will discover that it's good with just about any veggie combination. Here's a picture of how it turned out in my kitchen:

The lemon juice and lemon zest in the dressing make it really, especially good. Alex loved it so much he filled his bowl up twice.

When you are cooking, don't be discouraged if you are missing an ingredient. Improvise, take a risk. You will likely make a delicious new discovery. I am glad I did. And I can't wait to try it with Brussels sprouts!

Fill your bowl with what you find beautiful and delicious around you today.