For a number of years, I did not find Brussel sprouts appetizing. But then an old friend made brussel sprouts for me and I was officially converted, the secret ingredient? Bacon (it makes everything better). This recipe is so simple and does not take much time to make. You can choose to bake the brussel sprouts but I find that frying them in a cast iron pan helps to caramelize the maple syrup. This recipe is also the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Sticky maple compliments the smoky bacon creating a quintessential marrying of flavors. These candied green gems are so addicting you wont be able to keep them on the table.
Ingredients:
2 cups of Brussel sprouts
5 slices of bacon
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup maple syrup
dried cranberries for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Heat a cast iron on medium high heat. Chop the brussel sprouts into 1/4 or 1/2 pieces (but choose one size so that they will cook evenly) and cut the bacon into small pieces.
Cook the bacon in the cast iron and remove the bacon once crispy. Leave the bacon fat in the pan and add the brussel sprouts. Season with salt and pepper then toss to evenly coat the brussel sprouts. Add the maple syrup and let caramelize toss brussel sprouts. Once crispy and charred well the brussel sprouts are done. Top with dried cranberries and enjoy!
Chef's Notes:
To cook in the oven - Preheat oven to 400º F. Put the chopped brussel sprouts and bacon on a pan and drizzle with a little olive oil and add then add maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes until the brussel sprouts are crispy and have a beautiful char. Top with the dried cranberries.