Foods to Try Before You Die?

My friend and former co-worker, Sara, posted this Food List Challenge on her Facebook, and I thought it'd be fun to share. The list has been circulating the Internet for a while, it seems. The basic idea is to see how many of these "bucket list" foods you have eaten, and how many more you have to try.


My number's actually pretty low, but I'm going to blame my relatively severe shellfish allergy.

1. Abalone
2. Absinthe
3. Alligator
4. Baba Ghanoush
5. Bagel & Lox
6. Baklava
7. BBQ Ribs
8. Bellini
9. Bird's Nest Soup
10. Biscuits & Gravy
11. Black Pudding
12. Black Truffle
13. Borscht
14. Calamari
15. Carp
16. Caviar
17. Cheese Fondue
18. Chicken & Waffles
19. Chicken Tikka Masala
20. Chila Relleno
21. Chitlins
22. Churros
23. Clam Chowder
24. Cognac
25. Crab Cakes
26. Crickets
27. Currywurst
28. Dandelion Wine
29. Dulce De Leche
30. Durian
31. Eel
32. Eggs Benedict
33. Fish Tacos
34. Foie Gras
35. Fresh Spring Rolls
36. Fried Catfish
37. Fried Green Tomatoes
38. Fried Plantains
39. Frito Pie
40. Frogs' Legs
41. Fugu
42. Funnel Cake
43. Gazpacho
44. Goat
45. Goat's milk
46. Goulash
47. Gumbo
48. Haggis
49. Head Cheese
50. Heirloom Tomatoes
51. Honeycomb
52. Hostess Fruit Pie
53. Huevos Rancheros
54. Jerk Chicken
55. Kangaroo
56. Key Lime Pie
57. Kobe Beef
58. Lassi
59. Lobster
60. Mimosa
61. MoonPie
62. Morel Mushrooms
63. Nettle Tea
64. Octopus
65. Oxtail Soup
66. Paella
67. Paneer
68. Pastrami on Rye
69. Pavlova
70. Phaal
71. Philly Cheese Steak
72. Pho
73. Pineapple & Cottage Cheese
74. Pistachio Ice Cream
75. Po'Boy
76. Pocky
77. Polenta
78. Prickly Pear
79. Rabbit Stew
80. Raw Oysters
81. Root Bear Float
82. S'mores
83. Sauerkraut
84. Sea Urchin
85. Shark
86. Snail
87. Snake
88. Soft Shell Crab
89. Som Tam
90. Spaetzle
91. Spam
92. Squirrel
93. Steak Tartare
94. Sweet Potato Fries
95. Sweetbreads
96. Tom Yum
97. Umeboshi
98. Venison
99. Wasabi Peas
100. Zucchini Blossoms

What's your number? Any you're dying to try? Would you add anything to this list? Personally, I think you haven't lived until you've tried a good flour-less chocolate cake. 

I Crave Brussels Sprouts like a Pregnant Woman

I’m coming clean: I love Brussels sprouts. Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement. I have cravings for Brussels sprouts. I eat them 4-5 times a week. I know, I am a nutter.

That being said, I am CONVINCED that the reason people don’t like Brussels sprouts, (or think they don’t) is because they have never had the opportunity to try Brussels sprouts that have been cooked CORRECTLY!

Michael Symon serves a fried Brussels sprout salad at his restaurant, Lolita, in Cleveland, and they are [apparently] a must-try! I’ve also tried caramelized Brussels sprouts on pizza with portabella mushrooms, and a roasted red pepper pesto at VeggiePlanet, in Cambridge, MA – that was easily one of the best vegetarian meals I’ve ever had. Personally, I roast my Brussels sprouts, because it’s easy, and I can cook them while I do homework. Here’s how I prep them:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Toss clean Brussels sprouts in olive oil, and add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste

As you all know, I’m very health conscious –instead of olive oil, I lightly spray my sprouts with Pam, and toss them in a salt substitute to cut down on the fat and sodium content of this dish. I also buy them frozen, because it’s cheaper and easier than buying fresh.

• Place sprouts (and additional vegetables, if you feel so inclined) in roasting pan and put into oven
• Turn frequently until the sides of the sprouts are golden brown and crispy. (Between 40-50 minutes)
• ENJOY!

Maybe I’m just a freak with weird cravings, but I’ll stand on my soapbox until I’m blue in the face. Brussels sprouts aren’t inherently those over-boiled, mushy horror stories from our childhoods! They can be delicious – and a great way to change up mealtimes. And don’t even get me STARTED on the health benefits!

So give Brussels sprouts another try! Sautee them whole in some Balsamic vinegar. Or break off individual leaves to cook up with bacon, leeks, and garlic.

Who knows – you might even become an addict like me!