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I like to think that I’m a risk-taker, an adventurer, an unabashed embracer of all things unusual. After all, I left a secure job and took on a very chancy and difficult career; have traveled the world to England, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, and other faraway lands; and (most difficult and adventuresome of all) I’ve raised two kiddos by myself.
I like to think I’m the sort of woman who looks challenges in the eye and doesn’t blink. And usually, I do just that . . . except for one small thing. The common Brussels sprout.
I know, I know — it makes no sense. After all of the adventures and difficult decisions I’ve made, how could I be hesitant to try a simple vegetable? I don’t know, but I was.
Until yesterday. Finally, after hearing yet again how healthy Brussels sprouts are, I took my uncertainty into both hands, went to the farmer’s market, bought a handful of Brussels sprouts, and brought them home. Then I scoured the internet for a recipe and finally decided on something simple … chop off the dark end, toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.
So I cooked them. And then I ate them. And — to my chagrin — I LIKED them.
And to think I’ve been actively avoiding those little suckers for a good twenty years now. Why? I ask myself. Why?
There have been a few other things I was afraid to try that, when I did, I loved them. A few other foods I either didn’t want to try or liked, but was afraid to fix them at home — eggplant, tofu, my grandmother’s pecan pie recipe (It will never taste as good as hers). And a few activities — yoga (I just knew I’d fall over and make a fool of myself), hiking a medium level trail (it wasn’t easy, but I did it), and rock climbing (which was actually a LOT of fun). Sometimes, when you face something you’re a little hesitant to try, the best thing you can do is just close your eyes, hold your breath, and jump in.
What was your ‘Brussels sprout’ experience? Are there any activities that you’ve wanted to do or places you’ve wanted to go, but were hesitant to try them? Did you ever try them? What one challenge – either a food, an activity, or a place – would you like to face in the coming year?
51 Comments on “Fear and me.”
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I LOVE Brussels Sprouts! One of our favorite veggies. I just booked a vacation for my and my DH without telling him… it’s his birthday/xmas present. I was totally in a panic before, and I’m freaking out still that he’ll think it’s too much. Wilds of Central America, here we come (in April.)
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 8:29 am.
Cail, what a TERRIFIC gift! I bet he loves it. And I’m so proud of you for taking a chance on something so adventuresome. I’d love for someone to plan something that cool and fun and surprise me with it — I seriously bet he loves, loves, LOVES it.
As for Brussels Sprouts, I think I’ll come to love them as I play with the recipe. I liked the crispy part so much better than the inside, so I think I’ll half them next time and roast them that way so they’ll be crispier. I have to say, even Hot Cop thought they were good, which surprised me as he’s a huge texture eater. Good for us!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:04 am.
yay!! have fun, Cail!!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 12:06 pm.
What a great gift !! You go, Cail!! I know you both will have an amazing time! Can’t wait for you to share your adventures with all of us!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 3:18 pm.
For me it is actually moving into a place with New Guy and making it on our own. It may not seem like much but I have never done the de facto relationship thing before and it is proving to be quite the experience for me (not so much for New Guy since he has lived with several women before). For the New Year I am hoping that New Guy and I are blessed with me falling pregnant and not experiencing a miscarriage.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 8:36 am.
Kelly, moving in with someone is a big deal and I hope it goes smoothly for you guys. What a terrific way to start the year!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:05 am.
I never like brussels sprouts either until my MIL’s casserole. Then I loved them. Or at least that casserole.
I always thought I’d hate jogging. Tried it. Didn’t. Still jogging.
In the coming year I would like to try yoga. I figure I’ll pull something. But everyone tells me how great it is and that I really need to do it.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 8:38 am.
Lori, running is so healthy for you. I did it until I hurt my knee – stepped in a pothole in the middle of a race and frayed my acl – and I miss it. I just recently started walking again, though, which is how I started running to begin with, so we’ll see.
I LOVE yoga. It’s really good for you and actually keeps you from pulling anything. Plus, it’s awesome for your balance and flexibility, which are both great for your running, too, so win-win!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:07 am.
I need to go. My balance is crap.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:05 am.
I also adore yoga. It’s really a cornerstone for me.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:10 am.
Congratulations on the sprout success!
In recent years, I’ve learned to just out myself out there and try things. Can’t think of any one that stands out lately because I’ve tried to be open minded about new experiences. EXCEPT food – there are just some things I will not be trying.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 8:41 am.
Thanks! It took me MONTHS to work up to it, but I’m glad I did.
You’ve traveled so much that I bet you’ve tried more than your fair share of new things, whether you’ve wanted to or not. Plus, facing a new job is one of the biggest adventures of all, so I’d say you’re off the ‘try new things hook’ for a long, long time.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:11 am.
So funny that you bring up brussel sprouts. We had our company Christmas party yesterday, and broiled brussel sprouts were a part of the menu.
I love them, but I’m the only one in the house that does, so I buy the little frozen packages in individual sizes and have them for myself sometimes.
Mine is quinoa…it looks and smells horrid. My SIL likes it and cooks it sometimes. BLECH. Stinks up my kitchen–I go behind him, lighting candles everywhere! I’m sure someone makes a recipe that would make it edible for me, I just haven’t found it yet.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 8:58 am.
The best things at our party yesterday was the golden mushroom game hen quarters and the sweet corn risotto with applewood smoked bacon. YUM!!!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 9:00 am.
I need more coffee…my grammar and spelling suck this morning.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 9:00 am.
Psssht. None of us write well in the morning. It’s expected!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:26 am.
A friend of mine just introduced us to quinoa and all of its health properties. She made it in a terrific dish, though, so it was yummy. I’ve never made it myself yet, so it’s on the To Try list. Funny how so many things that are good for you have a strong smell, though. I guess it’s all of the vitamins in them? I dunno, but yup, I’ve noticed that, too.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:13 am.
I had a fear of flying for years. My father had his pilot’s license at 16 (my son has one now) and joined the Army/Air Corp during WWII. He helped train pilots. I had been in a helicopter once. My husband, sons, and I had crewed for hot air balloons and had flown (for free) in balloons but I would get on a plane. Then my son and his wife gave us a cruise with them for Christmas. It included plane tickets. That left me no choice but to fly. I loved it.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 9:21 am.
Sandi, good for you!
That’s a huge fear to overcome, but look at you — now you can go anywhere you want. Awesome!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:13 am.
I have always been a picky eater (which scientists have determined is due to extra tastebuds) – so every time my grandmother tries to make me “try” something that over the past years I have never liked. I did fall for Thai food, something I never thought I would enjoy.
I have always wanted to travel Europe – I just don’t see that happening this year do to expenses that I have. I want to take a couple courses in another language, they offer really good ones around where I live.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 9:27 am.
I loooooove Thai food. All of it. I read somewhere that most of it is very healthy for you, too, but that makes sense as they use a lot of vegetables and don’t overcook them.
And yes, take some language classes while you’re saving up for that trip. You’ll get so much more out of your traveling if you know some of the language. And when you get ready to go, I’ve used this travel company before and they do a great discount trip — very affordable, just be sure you check out the hotels on tripadvisor.com to get an idea of them before you book. http://www.gate1.com
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:27 am.
We all love brussels sprouts in our house! Baked like you made them is our favorite. A little balsamic vinegar sprinkled on them along with the oil and s/p is lovely too.
My challenge for the new year will be cleaning the basement! There will be many decisions to be made and we have been avoiding the long walk down into the pit…
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 9:28 am.
Mmmmm, balsamic vinegar makes everything better. I’ll give that a try!
Kudos to you for having a ‘make our house more livable’ goal for the new year. We’re working on our storage shed this weekend with the same idea in mind. It’s amazing what accumulates in unused spaces, isn’t it?
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:29 am.
The saddest part is that it is completely finished and quite lovely. Too bad it became the dumping ground for EVERYTHING! DH says that shows we have an active life, I think is shows we have hoarding tendencies.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:49 am.
Lol! I hope it’s a sign of both because my office has become the dumping ground for us. It’s time to fix that, though.
Good luck — sounds like you’ll have fun with it once it’s ready once again.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:28 am.
Heights and snakes get me. For some reason, the chance of free fall freaks me out. I don’t know why. I didn’t fall as a child. Only went off the high dive at the pool (back in the day when they still had high dives) only once, and only because I had to to pass swimming lessons. Snakes, well, that just seems like common sense to me.
I decided not to be afraid of germs. They exist, not going to deny that, and I’m going to take appropriate cleanliness measures, but I’m not going to be scared of them.
I want to try yoga. But, we live in a rural community that doesn’t have much to offer in the way of exercise stuff. There are several yoga places in neighboring communities, but that is at least a two hour time commitment and drive to get there. So, I’ve put that on the back burner.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 9:36 am.
Amanda, good for you for not being afraid of germs! You can’t avoid them, so the best thing you can do is be very healthy so that they don’t affect you.
I hope you guys get a yoga place soon. It’s such a healthy, fun exercise. I always feel like a noodle when I get out, which is a good sign that it’s been good for me.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:31 am.
I’m with Amanda. Heights and snakes get me as well. I found out about the heights thing when I walked out to a catwalk at the top of a lighthouse not long ago. I honestly won’t ever forget that feeling. Recently I challenged that fear when I visited Grandfather Mountain in NC. There is a swinging bridge that sits one mile above sea level. I swallowed my fears and crossed the bridge. Although I will admit that I had to tell the person in front of me to hurry up!
I honestly don’t have any fears of food. I am usually game for trying anything. As far as a challenge in the upcoming year I am not quite sure. I will be moving, so that’s kinda big. I will put on an all out blitz to try and get published.
It seems that at times unexpected challenges arise, but backing down is not an option for me.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:11 am.
Kelly, wow, good for you on crossing that bridge! And look at you — it didn’t hurt you at all and you DID it! I’m so proud of you as I know that took a lot of courage on your part.
Here’s to facing your challenges and never blinking. Or if you blink, you keep going, anyway. Best of luck in your move and publishing venture. You never know until you try!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:33 am.
I tried rock wall climbing a couple of months ago, but I didn’t love it.
I have been afraid of lots of things. One is driving is the mountains, which I finally can do, on my own, without much drama.
This year….? I will have to think about it.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:12 am.
Barbara, I really enjoyed rock climbing, but then I went with Hot Cop and he made me laugh the entire time. He’s very good at it and gave me some good pointers, too. Someone told me that if you take a class, that you’ll enjoy it more. I can see that as it was more fun once I knew some tricks.
Good for you for driving in the mountains! That can be very tricky, so I understand your fear. I grew up in the mountains of TN and NC, so I’ve had a lot of practice, but I was very white-knuckled the first few years.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:35 am.
I’m sad to say, this girl= not an adventerous person. I think that’s probably the reason I enjoy reading this genere–most heroines are spunky, independent, stong, adventerous; it’s a fun alternative to my real life.
In any case, the biggest challenge I’ve taken was buying my house by myself last year. It’s been fun and…educational–YouTube’s home fix it channel has saved the plumbing in both my bathroom and kitchen, replaced a breaker in my electrical box, built shelves in the pantry, and replaced the sump pump (which, BTW…make sure the hose clamps are on tight when the new one starts pumping. I learned that one the hard way–in one word: eew.).
Along with the house, I started my blog to keep the family updated on house happenings. I’m not a writer, and it’s been a challenge to make myself get online to update regularly. My goal next year is to dig in to the home improvement projects which have been patiently waiting since I bought the house….that should be interesting!
HAPPY FRIDAY (thank heavens!)
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 10:51 am.
Haley, you sound like an amazingly adventurous person. You don’t have to climb mountains, just face challenges and owning a home by yourself is a big challenge and yet look at you — fixing things like a pro! You go, girlfriend!
Enjoy your new adventures on the home improvement front. I’m addicted to HGTV and love improvements, too.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:26 am.
I have never hated brussel sprouts, but I would not have gone out of my way to eat them, let alone cook them. Then a friend made them for a dinner in a way that was yummy. I remember it involved bacon, so of course that changed everything. There are some really interesting recipes out there now for them. As for trying something I feared I would not like or succeed in, I had to create costumes when I was in high school— with no patterns. There was nothing to do but just jump in and hope for the best. It worked out really well. Hoping for the best and taking the shot can be empowering.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:25 am.
Madeline, a lot of recipes talk about cooking it with bacon, which can go a long way to cover the sins of a veggie. It does wonders for green beans, too.
It’s fun to hop in and do something from scratch, isn’t it? I’m getting ready to start a quilt and it’s a bit intimidating, but I’m determined to try it.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:33 am.
The REAL REASON we all have hated brussel sprouts is that our mothers used to thaw a box of frozen ones and over cook them…. My dad once told my sister that she only had to eat the outer leaves… she didn’t fall for that either..
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 12:06 pm.
Cate, you’re probably right. I never had any that weren’t soggy and slimey. YUCK! These, however, were crunchy and totally yummy!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm.
Sprouts are very good anti-cancer vegetables due to the sulfur compounds in them which are also what give them a slightly bitter taste sometimes (no pain, no gain?). They are very traditional here at Christmas. Usually steamed and sometimes served sprinkled with bacon bits. Just remember not to serve a flambé dessert to your guests after having given them sprouts with their main course…
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 12:14 pm.
Philip, I never knew they were considered a Christmas food. Now I know!
And bacon … well, that makes everything better, doesn’t it?
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm.
Congrats on your Brussels sprouts adventure! I did the same thing a few years ago and now I really enjoy when they come in season. Usually once a year, I will roast chestnuts, cook some bacon, plop the sprouts in with the bacon and cook a bit, then toss in with the chestnuts. yum.
I am by nature rather adventurous. I want to do and experience as much as I can while I’m on this planet. It has led to some fun experiences, even with the initial hesitancy (well, not much hesitation. hehe)
This coming year, I have something coming up that kinda scares the beejeebers outta me, but I am also REALLY excited about. That will be the challenge – at least for the first part of the year.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 12:21 pm.
You are very adventurous — more than anyone I know, so I’m not surprised you’ve sprouted before. Heh!
And I think this year will be easier than you think because the payout is huge, and that’s a lot of sugar to help the medicine go down.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:05 pm.
I like Brussel sprouts, but am the only person in the household that does.
This summer I took our 2 kids – 12 and 9 – on vacation to Montana by myself. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. Our 9 yo dd HATES to drive in the car. Always has and probably always will. As a baby she was good for the first hour, but she somehow knew when an hour was up, and would cry inconsolably. I mean CRY. She’s gotten a little better as she’s gotten older. I planned it in stages since we were driving across the state. The only day that was kind of difficult, was the day we were doing sapphire mining. It took WAY longer than I thought it would. They got frustrated faster than I thought they would. But the day turned around when she found a blue, 5.92 carat sapphire, and when my ds found a magenta sapphire (anywhere else in the world, it’d be called a ruby). Hers was perfect and is being cut, while his was not, but it’s so rare that he still talks about it. We found a total of 171 carats with 21 carats that are being cut.
This coming summer it’s the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. I want to be there for it. If my dh has to work because he has 2 movies coming out in 2013, I’m not afraid of taking vacation with 2 kids anymore. This time they’ll get to meet some second cousins, too.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
A blue, 5.92 carat (karat? dunno) sapphire would make my day go better every day of the week. How FABULOUS is that?
And that’s an amazing amount of gemstones for one day! I’ve taken my kids and they found some semi-precious stones, but none that were really all that spectacular. Still, they had so much fun — we’ll definitely do it again.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:07 pm.
Hah! I’ve seen those brussels sprouts stalks at Trader Joe’s and thought and thought about trying. I’ve only had brussels sprouts at my m-i-l’s but can’t recall how she prepared them. (Boiling, I think.) I just roasted fingerling potatoes, onion, and carrots last night and know I’d probably like your method.
So, going to Trader Joe’s after the gym today and get some. Also already planned, I’m going to make scones today. Never have tried!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 2:29 pm.
One suggestion — cut the sprouts in half and THEN roast them. We liked the crispy roasted part — which was dark brown — better than the soft middles, so we’re going for straight roasted next time. Oh, and the Barefoot Contessa says “salt them like french fries”, which probably isn’t the healthiest way to do it, but it was very tasty!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:10 pm.
Karen, being from Belgium, we grew up eating sprouts and such. We prepare them like this: first of all you boil them a couple of minutes, until you can prick your fork in them. Then you pour away the water, and put some butter in a pot. In this you put onion and bacon (little cubes). Let them brown for a while, and then add the sprouts. I like them best that way.
We eat these with boiled potatoes and a pork shop.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 2:42 pm.
Nickie, I’ll have to try that! I keep hearing that bacon is the key, so I’m going to give it a try. Thank you for the recipe!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:11 pm.
I was the same way about zucchini, Karen. I just knew I’d hate it and I was not interested in trying it. Then someone had me taste some zucchini bread and I really liked it. Next they offered me fried zucchini which I love! And I don’t like fried okra so tasting fried zucchini was a big step for me.
I have had some really great adventures because I was foolish enough to say “Okay, I’ll give it a try.” to some truly wild stuff when I was younger. Mountain climbing in the Alps I don’t really remember much about the decision to go, nor the preparation. I just remember suddenly hanging onto the side of Mount Kehlstein for dear life while my two German guides (They worked at my bank when I lived in Germany and were always up for anything. I think they suggested I try these crazy things just to see if I would!) were explaining what to do in case I fell! I thought “What the *&^% was I thinking???” I have to admit, however, the view from the top was AMAZING!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:06 pm.
Louisa, I’m always amazed to hear about your adventures. What a live you’ve lived!
I think mountain climbing might be on my can’t-muster-the-nerve list. I’m ok with heights, but I’m not ok with discomfort or nervy risks, and mountain climbing seems to hit both of those bells.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:22 pm.
Brussel sprouts are delicious roasted like that.
My experience of yoga is that my breasticles get in the way.
I am planning on making a long trip with my grandkids (14 & 11) next year. When we get where we are going – I want to go to a poetry slam! Can’t wait. To really research my novel, I should participate in the slam but I don’t know…
Fear. Yikes!
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 11:47 pm.
I think the hold your breath and jump in can apply to so much in life. Good advice Karen! Thank you!
Posted on December 15, 2012 at 2:51 am.