Brussels sprouts with pomegranate and walnuts

This recipe is from Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill cookbook. Now, I can't tell you how many recipes I've seen that claim to convert brussels sprouts haters. This one? If you don't like this recipe, you probably truly hate brussels sprouts. It's pretty simple - take a pound of trimmed and halved brussels sprouts and toss them with a little canola oil, salt and pepper. Roast the sprouts at 375 for about 25 minutes, or until they're browned and tender. After the brussels sprouts come out of the oven, toss them with a little butter, a handful of pomegranate seeds and a sprinkling of chopped toasted walnuts. This dish is healthy, beautiful and easy! The pomegranate makes it very festive. I made these for my family the other night, and we all agreed they'd be on our thanksgiving table this year.

Thanksgiving 2008 - the main event

Our thanksgiving menu doesn't vary much from year to year. That being said, I love to experiment with new recipes, so I try to change up at least one or two of the sides each time. I didn't make all of the food pictured, so I'll fill in details where I can.

My mom's roasted turkey
Flaky dinner rolls - I make these for every holiday

This is a pretty traditional stuffing - cubes of no-knead bread, mushrooms, celery, water chestnuts and fresh herbs.

This dish of sweet potatoes with caramelized apples was one of the new recipes I made. I combined recipes from Ina Garten and Martha Stewart to come up with what I think was an outstanding sweet potato dish. I think this will be on the menu for years to come.

Cranberry sauce with cardamom and vanilla bean - this is another recipe that's become a tradition.

Brussels sprouts with pomegranate and walnuts - I made these a few weeks back, and we liked them so well that they were added to the thanksgiving menu.

Also on the menu but not pictured here - classic gravy, mashed potatoes, peas with pearl onions, berry jello and romaine salad with pears and walnuts.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's dessert recap!