Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Now that it's November, I'm setting my sights on Thanksgiving (am I late to the game? I mean, I think all the stores around here put up cornucopias and turkey decorations at 12:01am on November 1st - or even at the same time as they had pumpkins up for Halloween! It's really making me feel inadequate.). And although MIL always takes care of the turkey (whew! Not my cup of tea - I'll stick to roasting a guinea hen or two now and then), I'll be contributing at least one side dish, so I'm keeping my eyes open (perhaps these carrots?).



And these brussels sprouts might just fit the bill. Dark and crunchy in spots, full of meaty flavor, with a nice bit of sweetness from caramelized onions, and a burst of bright lemony flavor to boot.

Molasses Roasted Carrots

As a kid I hated carrots. Or at least, deeply despised them. Perhaps it was because everyone constantly said "carrots are good for your eyes" and nodded knowingly. Ugh - to someone who doesn't really remember life without glasses, this was a) meaningless and b) kind of a smack in the face. Like, what, if I had consistently been fed only carrots until the age of five I would never have had to wear glasses? Yea right. Although perhaps I can blame my parents for this - actually that doesn't sound like a bad idea! Blaming parents for all your problems is wonderful! Should'a force fed me carrots, guys - then I wouldn't be contemplating lasik surgery (speaking of - anyone who has had lasik done, please do your best to convince me that it is safe, not deathly terrifying, and won't result in immediate horror and/or reduced night vision).