Bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts

Todays recipe is fabulous.   If you are not already a Brussels sprout fan, this is a must to try.   You will be one afterwards!  I will be serving this with my Prime Rib on Christmas Day.

BACON BRAISED BRUSSELS  SPROUTS

1 1/2 punds Brussels sprouts

4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) bacon, cut into small squares

1 clove of garlic, peeled and smashed, plus 2 cloves, roughly chopped

4 sprigs thyme, plus 2 sprigs thyme, leaves only, chopped

2 cups low-sodium chicken stock

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 sprig rosemary. leaves only, chopped.

Extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Take a large pan and set over medium high heat.  Add bacon and cook until fat renders 2 to 3 minutes.   Add the smashed garlic clove, thyme sprigs and Brussels sprouts and cook gently until slightly caramelized.   Add stock and reduce heat to a simmer.  Season with salt and pepper, cover and simmer for 12 -15 minutes until tender.   Remove Brussels sprouts from pan and place in an oven safe dish.  Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to stock mixture in pan and reduce until syrupy, 2 - 3 minutes.

Pour the syrupy mixture over the brussels sprouts and gently toss.

In a sheet tray toss the bread crumbs with rosemary, thyme leaves ad chopped garlic.  Drizzle with a little olive oil and salt and pepper.  Sprinkle bread crumb mixture and Parmigiano over Brussels sprouts and bak ein a hot oven until golden and crispy.

Give it a try and please let us know what you think!

Merry Christmas everyone !!!!!!!