Bacon Fried Brussel Sprouts

Does your family turn their nose up once the find out Brussels sprouts are on the menu for dinner? Do you not cook them because you remember having to eat them boiled? Finding different way to cook the same vegetable can make all the difference in the world. Don’t omit the offending vegetable from your menu just because they “think” they don’t like it. Besides…. everyone knows that everything is better with bacon!!
Yes, even vegetables. It’s how I get my children to try them. I’m proud to say they now fight over the last of these Bacon fried Brussels sprouts. When it’s only 3 pieces of bacon to a pound or more of Brussels sprouts and the whole family polishes off every last crumb, I think it’s a good trade off.

You’ll need:
1 lb Brussels sprouts
3 slices bacon

Start with prepping the Brussels sprouts. If you happen to be fortunate enough to own and know how to use a food processor with a slicing blade or if you are talented with a mandolin here is your chance to use them. Just trim off the stem of the sprout and go to work shredding them.

However, a plain old knife does the trick beautifully but depending on how many Brussels sprouts you are using is can take a little bit of time. Slice the sprouts lengthwise through the center through the stem. Hold on to the stem and thinly slice up to it. Basically you are making Brussels sprout shreds. Set them aside.

In a large skillet on med heat cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, leaving the bacon drippings. Crumble bacon once it has cooled and set it aside. Turn the heat to med high and add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the bacon drippings. Cook, stirring every minute or so until Brussels sprouts start to soften and brown a little. It only takes about 6-7 minutes to cook them. Add crumbled bacon back to skillet and toss. Finish the dish off with some cracked black pepper.

If you are a little squeamish about using bacon grease, you can always substitute olive oil. Just drizzle a little olive oil in the skillet and heat to med high before adding the Brussels sprouts.

Variations:

• Completely omit the bacon and just use olive oil for a vegetarian dish.
• Use Pancetta or diced ham in place of the bacon.
• Try sprinkling some Cajun seasoning on at the end. It adds a nice kick!

What’s your favorite way to eat Brussels Sprouts?