I know it's hard to believe, but we actually do eat more than just cupcakes, cookies, and carbs in this house. It's just that blogging about vegetables is so boring...I mean -- arugula or baby spring greens? balsamic or ranch dressing?? -- how's that for an exciting afternoon read?


So while I usually try to keep our adventures in salads and steamed broccoli to a minimum, I couldn't let this bad boy pass by. Especially when it involved a craaaazy looking stalk of brussels sprouts and bacon: the antithesis of anything bland, boring and healthy. Plus (and this is probably the real reason why we made this), after our last encounter -- ok, disaster -- with this lovely vegetable, some sort of brussels sprout redemption was desperately in order.



I can't believe I'm saying this, but these brussels sprouts were like candy. Yes, better than any late-night chips, ice cream or popcorn snack we've ever had; addicting in so many ways. Perhaps it's because they hailed from the recipe files of the infamous David Chang, or maybe it's because of all the flavor that came from the bacon drippings, or the subtle but fiery kick from the sriracha sauce, or how tender and caramelized everything became -- regardless, I have officially converted into a true brussels sprouts lover :D



Now how's that for a little brussels sprouts redemption? ;)

Bacon-Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Recipe adapted from David Chang

1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts
3 T olive oil
1/4 pound thick-cut bacon (about 4 slices)
Butter (optional)
Sriracha hot sauce
Lemon or lime
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. With a knife, trim the hard, woody ends of the sprouts, then slice in half lengthwise through the core. Place in a roasting pan.
3. Pour olive oil over brussels sprouts and toss until evenly coated.
4. Cut the bacon into small chunks and place over brussels sprouts. Add 1-2 slices of butter, if desired.
5. Bake for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Brussels sprouts should be tender and slightly browned.
6. Add a few squirts of sriracha hot sauce (depending on how hot you like it) and a squeeze or two of fresh lemon/lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.