Yesterday we spent 2+ hours of our afternoon attending orientation for the New York State Troopers. As Ulysses’ “support network” (the state’s term, not mine and one in which Ulysses hasn’t stopped referring to me as since when he now wants something) I was invited to listen, learn and ask questions about my husband’s new career and what he can expect for the next 6 months in the academy. So clearly, while we went through slide after slide of the hell that is about to become his life in the academy, I thought about making this salad. I might’ve perked up when we got to the medical benefits section (hell yeah to government benefits over crappy private business ones!) but other than that my mind was going through the ingredients of this salad (and the grocery list, and the thanksgiving sides I need to make, and the blog food I have on tap for the next couple of weeks, and the 2 proposals for work I need to get done this week, and, and, and….).
It’s not disinterest as much as a rather not know for my own sanity type of thing. If given the choice to learn about the ridiculous physical demands, screaming, crappy food and living situation my significant other is about to be put through for half a year versus creating a flavorful fruit salad with chopped brussels sprouts and a cider dijon dressing in my head, I’m going for the latter.
I’m pretty sure he’d rather a “support network” that gives him a decent tasting meal after 5 days of state cafeteria food than one that’s freaking out about his physical condition or sanity every Friday night when he comes home.
Although, I did catch one blurb that I fully plan on heeding: “don’t expect them to make up a week’s worth of time in a weekend”.
Translation (in the ears of Gina)?
Hire a cleaning person because your husband won’t be able to do all the chores that need to be done on his 1.5 day weekend.
Done. Thank you, NY state.
- 1 lb. brussels sprouts, ends and outer leaves trimmed
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, chopped
- 2 tablespoons raisins, chopped
- 2 tablesponns pepitas
- ¼ cup fresh cranberries
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- salt & pepper
- Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
- Slice brussels sprouts thinly and place in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the sliced brussels sprouts and toss to combine.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss together lightly.
- Season with additional salt & pepper to taste.
ps- this salad goes great with Katie’s Hard Cider Baked Chicken Thighs. When the caramelized onions that are soaked with the cider mix together with the brussels sprouts, you will die. In a good way.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Two hours of a boring orientation! Blah!! My mind would have drifted to, but at least you came up with this fabulous salad. I honestly didn’t know you could eat brussels sprouts raw!! I have a ton to use up. I’m going to make brussels sprouts salad today!
How you stayed awake is beyond me. My Mr probably would’ve had to nudge me to stop snoring.
Brussels sprouts make everything tolerable.
So glad you were planning out this salad rather than listening to the orientation! I will definitely be making it. I love adding fruit to my salads and the addition of the cranberries look so festive.
Haha, I would have been totally the same as you! And I for one am glad that you had to sit through that meeting if it means that we get delights like this. So much lighter than the usual fare at this time of year.
LOL…being bored during classes/meetings/orientations makes you drift off! That is usually where your best ideas come from though…
Gina, this salad is pure genius! I would have never thought to pair Brussels with fruit – can’t wait to try this!
Looks awesome! Love the cranberries and pepitas in there!
Hang in there through the academy. My husband went through 4 years ago (we live in California) and while he got to come home every night, between homework and getting ready for the next day and exhaustion from the stress he might as well have been gone. While it was really tough and being a cop’s wife when I never expected to be has resulted in so many firsts for us, it is worth it. I am so proud of him and glad he is doing what he always wanted to do, and it has made our marriage and myself stronger (and I thought I was already tough). Feel free to email any time you need support from a fellow cop wife.
Take care and keep blogging, I love following you! Ps. It wasn’t anything like what they said at our orientation (maybe because my husband is older and we had already been married 14 years at the time).
Thanks
I just love brussels sprouts salads! I made one last week that looked sorta like this one, but not the same – I’m totally adding in cranberries next time! Yum, Gina
I think “support system” is how you should refer to is inevitable jock strap.
um…he had to buy an “athletic supporter” (it’s on the list of stuff to bring) and I just about died of laughter when I saw that thing.
Finally some love for the humble brussel sprout!
I’m on a real brussels sprout kick as of late – this is totally going on The List. Sprouts deserve so much more love. Glad you’re giving it to ‘em. And I will show my love via my mouth when this gets made to redeem myself after the post-apocalyptic Turkey Coma.
How do you do it? You always come up with the most mouth watering combinations!
And my mind would so be wandering to things like food during all of that too. Heck. When does my mind not wander. haha!
Congrats to Ulysses!! So excited for both of you even though it will be rough. The 6 months will be over before you know it.
I’ve never bought, cooked, chopped, or even tasted a brussel sprout. EVER. Should I start now that I’m 32?
Oh wow, that sounds yummy and I can’t wait to try it! I’ve subscribed to your blog and looking forward to more!
Can’t get enough brussels and fresh cranberries lately. It is funny how you body seems to crave and know what is in season.
I used to do this same thing during talks and lectures at the lab. So much more going on in my head.
This looks so amazing – I want to serve it for Christmas!
My son, however, is allergic to mustard. Any suggestions as to what I could substitute the dijon for?
Thanks for this recipe!
I made this yesterday for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it!! I did substitute the cranberries with pomegranate seeds which was kinda fun. Thanks for the recipe!
I love raw Brussels sprout salads like this. I have never eaten raw fresh cranberries before, I didn’t even know you could, but that sounds so good. I’ll have to give this a try.