Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 lbs brussels sprouts
• 1 stick butter, cut into several pieces
• 2 slices bacon
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps

1. Trim the stem on each sprout but leave enough to keep the Brussels sprouts intact when halved. Remove the outer bruised or yellow leaves. Rinse and cut in half through the root end.
2. At medium heat, in a heavy bottomed, large skillet, fry bacon until crisp. Remove from skillet. Set aside on paper towels. When cool, crumble bacon. In a heat-proof bowl, pour the bacon fat from the pan, using only the drippings that remain coated on the bottom of the pan.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and add butter. When butter melts, add 3 whole garlic cloves, halved Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper to the pan. Shake pan or use a spatula to distribute in a mostly single layer. Cover with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes. Toss with a spatula every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Leave covered for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Remove lid for final 5-7 minutes of cook time. Continue to toss Brussels sprouts with a spatula every 5 minutes. They are done when fork tender.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste. Toss with crumbled bacon and serve!