Crunchy Maple Brussels Sprout Slaw: A Healthy Post-Indulgence Delight from Mairlyn Smith’s Homegrown Cookbook
After a long weekend filled with indulgent treats – perhaps a “chocopalooza” of sweets, mountains of savory ham, fluffy cinnamon buns, and countless handfuls of rich egg dishes – many of us find ourselves craving something fresh, vibrant, and genuinely nourishing. It’s that familiar feeling of needing a culinary reset, a burst of crispness to awaken the palate and a healthy dose of essential nutrients to bring our bodies back into balance. What better way to achieve this than with a dish that offers both a satisfying crunch and a wealth of cruciferous goodness, providing a much-needed nutritional ballast against the recent festive overload?
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect when an invitation arrived to participate in a virtual cookbook launch. A group of fellow food blogging friends had organized an online celebration for our dear mutual pal, Mairlyn Smith, who had recently unveiled her latest culinary masterpiece, Homegrown: Celebrating Canadian Foods & Produce. This exciting event promised not only to highlight Mairlyn’s incredible work but also to introduce us to a world of delicious, wholesome Canadian recipes.
Meet Mairlyn Smith: A Voice for Healthy Canadian Cuisine
Mairlyn Smith is a name synonymous with expertise, humor, and a passion for healthy eating. As a professional home economist, she brings a deep understanding of food science, nutrition, and practical cooking into every recipe she shares. Beyond her academic background, Mairlyn is a highly respected food writer, a captivating TV personality, and notably, an alumna of the renowned Second City comedy troupe. Yes, she’s as funny as she is informative, which makes her approach to healthy living incredibly engaging and accessible.
Throughout her career, Mairlyn has authored several acclaimed cookbooks, all with a consistent focus on nutritious, easy-to-make meals. Her dedication to demystifying healthy eating and making it enjoyable shines through her work. In Homegrown, her latest offering, Mairlyn embarks on a delightful culinary journey across Canada, celebrating the incredible diversity and richness of local produce and traditional dishes. The book is a vibrant tapestry of Canadian cuisine, featuring over 175 recipes lovingly gathered from members and students of the Ontario Home Economics Association, ensuring a blend of authenticity and professional insight.
Discovering “Homegrown”: A Celebration of Canadian Flavors
Homegrown is more than just a cookbook; it’s an homage to the vast and varied culinary landscape of Canada. Flipping through its pages is like taking a cross-country tour, from the protein-packed Saskatchewan-farmed lentils that form the backbone of many hearty dishes, to the exquisite Nova Scotia scallops representing the bounty of our East Coast waters, and the comforting Saskatoon bread pudding, a sweet taste of the prairies. Each recipe tells a story, highlighting the unique ingredients and traditions that define Canadian food culture.
Among the many tempting dishes, one particular recipe captured my attention almost immediately: the Maple Brussels Sprout Slaw, generously contributed by Amy Whitson, PHEc. It practically jumped off the page, calling out to me with its promise of crunch, freshness, and that unmistakable hint of Canadian maple sweetness. It seemed like the perfect antidote to my recent culinary indulgences – a vibrant, healthy dish that could help recalibrate my system.
Crafting the Maple Brussels Sprout Slaw: A Personal Twist
The original recipe for the Maple Brussels Sprout Slaw sounded fantastic, featuring fresh Brussels sprouts, the subtle sweetness of maple, a kick from horseradish, and the peppery bite of radishes. However, when I set out to make it, I found myself making a couple of personal adjustments to tailor it to my taste and what I had on hand.
Firstly, I opted to leave out the horseradish. While I appreciate its warmth and distinctive flavor, I’m not a huge fan, and I wanted the slaw to have a milder, more universally appealing profile for my family. For those who love a spicy kick, it’s certainly an ingredient worth keeping in the original recipe!
Secondly, a quick check of my crisper drawer revealed that my radishes were looking a bit past their prime – a tad spongy, which wouldn’t provide the crisp texture I was craving. Instead, I reached for some tart apples, which proved to be an excellent swap. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer a fantastic crunch and a bright, tangy flavor that complements the earthy Brussels sprouts beautifully, albeit with a less peppery profile than radishes. This substitution not only salvaged the crunch but also added a lovely, refreshing sweetness and acidity to the slaw.
Finally, just because I had them on hand and loved the idea of an added textural element, I tossed in some pumpkin seeds. These little powerhouses don’t just provide a delightful nutty crunch; they also boost the nutritional value with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Their subtle savory note perfectly balances the sweetness of the maple and the tartness of the apple, making the slaw even more dynamic and satisfying.
Why This Slaw is a Post-Indulgence Powerhouse
This modified Maple Brussels Sprout Slaw isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional champion, especially when you’re looking to hit the reset button after a period of rich eating. Brussels sprouts, a star cruciferous vegetable, are packed with fiber, vitamins K and C, and powerful antioxidants, all of which support digestion and detoxification. Maple syrup, a natural Canadian sweetener, offers a depth of flavor and some minerals compared to refined sugars. The addition of tart apples brings in more fiber and vitamins, along with a refreshing acidity, while pumpkin seeds contribute healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying textural contrast. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, making this slaw an ideal choice for a light, invigorating, and incredibly healthy meal.
Exploring More Canadian Flavors from “Homegrown”
My culinary adventure with Mairlyn’s cookbook didn’t stop at the Brussels sprout slaw. The virtual launch event also showcased a wonderful array of other dishes from Homegrown, prepared and shared by my talented food blogging friends. Each recipe offered another glimpse into the heart of Canadian cooking, often with a healthy twist:
- Mardi over at Eat.Live.Travel.Write. shared her take on a warming Spicy Red Lentil Soup, a hearty and protein-rich dish that showcases the versatility of Canadian-grown lentils.
- Jan from Family Bites delighted us with a creative Maple Apple Cheese Spread, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that highlights two iconic Canadian flavors.
- Renee from Sweet Sugarbean presented a vibrant Kale Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing, a modern and incredibly nutritious salad that elevates simple greens with robust flavors.
- Amy from Family Feedbag brought us a comforting bowl of Quebec-Style Pea Soup, a classic and deeply satisfying dish that pays homage to traditional Canadian fare.
- Charmian from The Messy Baker shared her wholesome Zucchini and Carrot Breakfast Muffins, an ideal way to incorporate more vegetables into your morning routine or enjoy as a healthy snack.
Each of these recipes, much like the Maple Brussels Sprout Slaw, embodies the spirit of Homegrown – celebrating fresh, local ingredients and crafting them into delicious, wholesome meals that resonate with Canadian heritage and contemporary healthy eating principles. Mairlyn Smith has truly created a cookbook that is both inspiring and incredibly practical, making healthy and flavorful Canadian cuisine accessible to everyone. If you’re looking to explore authentic Canadian flavors with a focus on nutrition, Homegrown is an essential addition to your kitchen bookshelf.