None of the big hotels cross them. Nor do I. Chuck them in as is and when you drain them the crap old leaves will have fallen off so just pick them out. Even Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver don't cross their sprouts .... and yes I know they're both tossers !
Two Christmas' for me. Weekend of 17th a family one with Turkey etc. Then buggering of to rural France to get away from all the craziness and it will be duck with a nice Saumur red followed by some cheese.