• Use a small sharp knife to trim away the discoloured base from the sprouts.
• Peel away and discard any discoloured or blemished outer leaves. In older sprouts you may have to peel a few more layers until you get nice looking ones.
• If you are going to cook the Brussel sprouts whole cut a cross about 5mm (0.2 inches) into the base of the sprouts.

  This will ensure even cooking because the base is the thickest part of the sprouts and can be undercooked when the leaves are fully cooked.
• The sprouts can also be cut in half from top to bottom for quicker cooking.

How to boil Brussel sprouts

• 1.  Select even size sprouts, trim the stalks level, remove and discard blemished outer leaves.

  2.  Cut a cross in the stalk ends for even cooking.

  3.  Place into a pot of boiling salted water, bring back to the boil then turn down to a simmer.

  4.  Simmer for 8 – 10 minutes or until the sprouts are tender but still firm.

  5.  Drain well and serve hot.

How to steam Brussel sprouts

• 1. Select even size sprouts, trim the stalks level, remove and discard blemished outer leaves.

  2. Cut a cross in the stalk ends for even cooking.

  3. Fill the bottom of a steamer with water, then place the sprouts into the steamer basket, cover and bring the water to the boil.

  4. Steam Brussel sprouts for 5 minutes or until fork tender.

  5. Toss in a little butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

How to microwave Brussel sprouts

• 1. Select even size sprouts, trim the stalks level, remove and discard blemished outer leaves.

  2. Cut a cross in the stalk ends for even cooking.

  3. Place the sprouts in a single layer into a microwave oven safe dish.

  4. Add about ¼ cup of water to the dish, cover and cook on high for 4-8 eight minutes or until cooked.

  5. Drain off the water, toss in a little butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

How to sautee Brussel sprouts

• 1. For quicker cooking cut the sprouts in half.

  2. Heat about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a fry pan and place the halved Brussels sprouts cut side down.

  3. Cook covered over a medium heat for about 5-8 minutes or until the cut side turns a golden brown.

  4. Turn the sprouts over, cover and cook for 5- 8 minutes more or until the sprouts are fork tender.

  5. Toss in a little butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

How to roast Brussel sprouts

• 1.  Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)

  2.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3.  Select evensize sprouts, trim the stalks level, remove and discard blemished outer leavesand cut the sprouts in half.

  4.  Place the sprouts on to the prepared baking trayand drizzle with a little olive oil.

  5.  Sprinkle over a little lemon juice, season withsalt and pepper and toss to coat all the pieces.

  6.  Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for about 10minutes, then flip the sprouts over.

  7.  Continue to cook for 15 minutes more or untilthe sprouts turn crispy and golden brown. Serve hot.