Also with her announcement, Michelle held a "Five for Friday" ditty writing exercise. We were instructed to write a five word poem (plus title) about "the best thing that happened to you this week."
Being that the assignment came so soon after the election, it took a bit of thought to come up with something that I considered a "best thing." (I'd been stewing in doom and gloom.)
After a little thought, I came up with Brussels sprouts. I figured people would think I'm weird, so I did a bit more pondering and remembered my doctor visit where I found I hadn't gained any weight. That was pretty good until I also remembered I hadn't lost any weight either. Still, I thought it was a reasonable thing to write about, and so I did. (Read my twin ditties here.)
You may be thinking, "But what about the Brussels sprouts?" The best thing that happened to me early last week was that I roasted a pan of Brussels sprouts. I had marinated them in olive oil vinaigrette and roasted them at 375 degrees until nicely browned. They were delicious. I thought about them for days after.
I grew up never having been exposed to Brussels sprouts, and when, as a young adult, I was served them, they had been boiled. They were, quite frankly, awful. About eight years ago, a co-worker told me that Brussels sprouts were tasty roasted and I should try them again. I did, and I've been a Brussels sprouts fan ever since. Here's my five word ditty on the subject:
Brussels Sprouts
Lingering smell
belies tongue's delight.
©Diane Mayr.
I checked through my files and found that I've written about Brussels sprouts before!
fifty-nine years oldThe tanka came about as a result of my first success with roasting sprouts. I never did make roast beef. Spending big bucks on a roast beef and then risking overcooking it didn't appeal to me. I no longer have an appetite for roast beef, so I will probably finish my life without ever making one!
she cooks brussels sprouts
for the first time
tomorrow perhaps
there'll be roast beef
©Diane Mayr.
Can you write a five word poem about Brussels sprouts? If you're up to the challenge, leave your entry in the comments below. If you're not up for a challenge, do you have a favorite Brussels sprouts poem? Do you know of any Brussels sprouts poem? I'm curious as to how many we can come up with!
Quite a few, as it turns out! There seems to be a Brussels sprouts affinity among Poetry Friday participants!
Brussels SproutsVisit Carol's Corner for the day-after-Thanksgiving (also known as Gluttony Remorse Day) Poetry Friday Round-Up.
curiosity invites wee cabbage crunch
© Linda Baie
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
best
bought fresh
from farmers
© Mary Lee Hahn
Brussels Sprouts
approached cautiously
tiny tartness
veggie bonbons
micro cabbages
like dollhouse food
© Brenda Harsham
Brussel Sprouts
fabulous
finger food
for vegetarians
© Carol
Cut
Toss
Spice
Broil
Eat
--deliciousness sprouts!
© Margaret Simon
I love your story, Diane, and the poem about you. I've always loved brussels sprouts, and both my daughter and I roast them with a little oil and a bit of garlic salt. Writing five words, not easy, but here goes. Title - Brussels Sprouts Five words: curiosity invites wee cabbage crunch Thanks for the giggle.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! I knew there were other Brussels sprouts poets out there!
DeleteBRUSSELS SPROUTS
ReplyDeletebest
bought fresh
from farmers
I love fresh Brussels Sprouts either steamed or roasted. If roasted, I'll fight you for the outer leaves that fall off and turn into crispy Brussels sprout chips!!
Yes, you will have to fight me for outer leaves! That's one of the advantages to taking the time to cut the little sprouts in half--the leaves come loose!
DeleteI just had brussels spouts yesterday -- marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar! Apparently, they were also massaged! LOL They were delicious piping hot. Perhaps I will have to cook my own one day.
ReplyDeleteBrussels Sprouts
approached cautiously
tiny tartness
veggie bonbons
micro cabbages
like dollhouse food
They are so easy! And they can be eaten like bonbons!
DeleteHmmm....I'm not sure I've ever even tried brussels sprouts. I've been entranced by their presentation at the farmer's market, but never quite brave enough to venture into cooking them. This may relate to my husband's childhood brussel sprout hatred that resulted in his trying to swallow one without chewing and the subsequent administration of the Heimlich Maneuver. You all are inspiring me to give them a try--but perhaps I'll cut them in half before roasting!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely cut them in half, or at least the larger ones. Cutting the larger ones also helps even out the cooking. I can see why your husband may have issues! Order them when you eat out and everyone should be happy.
Delete"Brussel Sprouts"
ReplyDeletefabulous
finger food
for vegetarians
Hmmm. The word vegetarians doesn't quite work, I need another F word! Checked a thesaurus- fasters? fruitarians? Yikes!!!! I love 'em roasted, hate 'em boiled! And I'm 57 and have never cooked a roast beef either! I do occasionally order it when I go out!
Carol, I only added your first name in the list of poems because I don't know your last name! I didn't see it on your blog when I looked for it there. I also didn't see my post in your round-up! :-( Not to worry, people seem to have found their way here.
DeleteYou are so talented you can make even Brussels sprouts appealing!
ReplyDeleteHa, ha! I take it you're not a fan, Keri?
DeleteI've never cooked a turkey! I also discovered Brussels sprouts late in life. The smell of them cooking used to gag me. Now I toss them in olive oil and spices and broil. Delicious.
ReplyDeleteCut
Toss
Spice
Broil
Eat
--deliciousness sprouts!
Neither have I cooked a whole turkey, but I have done a breast. So much less to worry about!
DeleteHmmm...maybe I need to try roasted brussels sprouts? I grew up with them the same way - boiled to within an inch of their life, soggy and absolutely blechy!
ReplyDeleteYou should try them. They're not for everyone, but worth a try! And roasting is the easy-peasy-est cooking method ever!
DeleteLOL! I'm not sure what I would have done if you wrote about Brussels sprouts last week, Diane. Sorry to say, they are a worst thing for me, not a best thing. (Surpassed only by lima beans.) Perhaps if you showed me how they should be cooked, I MIGHT give them another try, but that's assuming I can wear noseplugs. To be sure, you're better off without my 5-word ditty.
ReplyDeleteView some tips on poetry and kids education at this source which is contributed by advanced writers.
ReplyDelete