Fertility Fit Brussel Sprout Salad with Boursin & apples

So from a recipe that this week gets fertility-friendly, I have a Brussels sprouts solid.  While I found the salad great, I think it is better as a side salad but I also screwed up the ratio of cooked to chopped sprouts- so that may have affected my opinion. I think some pomegranate seeds and hemp seeds would be a lovely bright addition next time. 

Matt put a sliced chicken sausage on top and enjoyed it.  Nonetheless, it was good, full of flavor and textures.  I grabbed this recipe from @starinfinitefood. 

For the salad: 

1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in 1/2

5 tablespoons of olive oil, 

half a teaspoon of salt, 

half a teaspoon of garlic powder

Half teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup

1 apple chopped finely

For the walnuts:

1/4 cup walnuts

All will, salt

For the dressing:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Half a tablespoon of Dijon mustard

Half a teaspoon of salt

Pepper to taste

For the yogurt and cheese mixture:

Half block of Boursin  cheese (use the other 1/2 crumbled on top) 

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

Preheat oven to 450.  Keep the sheet pan in the oven while it preheats.  Put one-third of the sliced Brussels sprouts after they have been tossed in the EVOO, salt, garlic, paprika & honey and put them facedown on the pan.

Bake for 30 minutes flipping halfway

To make the cream, add Boursin cheese and yogurt.  Mix well- you will plate this first and add a salad on top

Slice thinly the remaining Brussels sprouts and coat with the dressing. Add apples and walnuts

Once the cooked Brussels sprouts are complete, toss them into your salad

Plate on top of the porcelain cream and add Boursin  crumbles

• Brussels Sprouts:
• Folate: Brussels sprouts are rich in folate, a crucial nutrient for fertility. Folate is known to support healthy fetal development and reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
• Olive Oil:
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for hormone production. Balanced hormones are essential for reproductive health.
• Honey/Maple Syrup:
• Natural Sweeteners: These provide a touch of sweetness without refined sugars. High sugar intake may negatively impact fertility, so opting for natural sweeteners is a healthier choice.
• Apple:
• Antioxidants and Fiber: Apples are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress. The fiber content is also beneficial for digestive health, which indirectly influences nutrient absorption.
• Walnuts:
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for hormone regulation and may improve fertility. They also provide a healthy source of plant-based protein.
• Balsamic Vinegar:
• Antioxidants: Balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, supporting overall health, including reproductive health.
• Dijon Mustard:
• Antioxidants: Dijon mustard contains antioxidants, and the mustard seeds may have anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to a healthy reproductive system.
• Greek Yogurt:
• Protein and Probiotics: Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and contains probiotics that support gut health. A healthy gut is linked to improved fertility.
• Boursin Cheese:
• Calcium and Protein: Dairy products like Boursin cheese provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein, which are important for overall reproductive health.