Brussel Sprouts with Apples and Bacon

Brussel sprouts - if you love them, you want to eat them constantly, if you hate them, it's because you haven't had them like this. When I was growing up, Brussel Sprouts were found in the frozen food aisle, and tasted acidic and bitter. It wasn't until I made them for my children, that I realized how delicious they could be.  We eat them in some form, at least once a week.  When we are grocery shopping, at least one of my kids will point to them and exclaim loudly, "lets get Brussel Sprouts!" Undoubtedly, some random shopper will make a shocked comment about my veggie loving children - and yes, I'm not too proud to admit that, when this happens, I give myself an internal high five.

Although delicious any way you make them- this is by far, our favorite.

What you need:

3 Small Bags of fresh Brussels (about one large stalk, or 60ish individual sprouts)

1 package of nitrate free, applewood smoked bacon

4 Gala apples

Fill bottom of double boiler with water- bring to a boil. Cut the bottom off of each sprout, and halve them, peeling off the outer leaves in the process. Rinse and set in vegetable strainer. Place over boiling water and cover. Steam until sprouts are bright green, and just tender (they will finish cooking later).

In the meantime, peel, core, and dice apples. 

Dice bacon into approximately 1/4 inch squares. Add to skillet that has been heated on stove. Cook bacon until browned, being careful to stir frequently so bottom of pan doesn't burn. Add apples to bacon, and saute for 5 minutes in bacon fat.  Add steamed Brussels to pan, coating with bacon fat.  Add a pinch of salt. Saute for 5 more minutes and serve immediately.

For a slight flavor variation, stir in the leaves from 5 stalks of fresh thyme, just before serving..