Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?! It seems like October began just a few days ago, yet here we are deep in the throws of the holidays! One of life’s biggest mysteries has been making brussels sprouts appealing to everyone at the holiday table – little ones included. My favorite solution? Pair the sweetness of brown sugar with the bold, savory bite of bacon. That’s right, we’re making Candied Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
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Many people know you’re supposed to eat your brussels sprouts, but many don’t know why. The little cabbage-like vegetables pack a major nutritional punch to your diet as rich source of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, high in fiber, and contain ALA Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Vitamin K is crucial to in coagulation -the formation of blood clots to stop bleeding- and has been shown to play a role in bone strength. Essential this time of year as colds develop and spread, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that boosts immunity and aids in the body’s absorption of iron. For those who don’t eat seafood, brussels sprouts are a good way to add omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These acids have been shown to slow cognitive decline and decrease inflammation.
Candied Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs. fresh, dried brussels sprouts
- 2-5 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- Maple syrup (to taste)
- Pink Himalayan salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Remove any wilted leaves and trim excess stems from the brussels sprouts and cut them in quarters.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon, turning frequently, until browned. Once cooked, remove with metal tongs and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the grease.
- Carefully pour your bacon grease into a deep bowl lined with aluminum foil, or you can use an old coffee can.
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and add it back into your skillet. Add in the chopped onion, salt and pepper. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until onion softens and turns a light brown color.
- Add in the dried brussels sprouts until they begin to brown and soften. Do not add wet brussels sprouts to the bacon grease, as it can cause a grease fire.
- Crumble some bacon into bite sized pieces, and add to your brussels sprout mixture; add some maple syrup to taste. Cover and stir occasionally, allowing the brussels sprouts to cook until they are fork tender.
- Now is a great time to taste test your softened brussels sprouts and add in additional sweetener, salt and pepper. Allow the brussels sprouts to set for a couple minutes before eating. Flavor will intensify over time. Serve and enjoy!
