When winter is in full force, here is a family favorite standout dish to accompany most any entree; from salmon to chicken, beef or pork.
Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
1 lb Brussel Sprouts, trimmed and halved
3 strips center cut bacon
2 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons butter, cubed
2 tablespoons maple syrup
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and butter a 2-quart baking dish.
After rinsing Brussel Sprouts, trim ends and cut in half, placing in a bowl and set aside.
Julienne bacon strips into 3/4-inch strips. Place bacon in medium saute pan and cook until crisp. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain.
Pour olive oil over the Brussel Sprouts in the bowl and toss. Turn out into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme leaves and salt and freshly ground pepper; toss once more.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are just beginning to brown. Drizzle maple syrup over the Brussel Sprouts and stir, returning it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to brown and become nicely tender.
