Bacon and Brussels Sprouts

I grew up eating the occasional Brussels Sprouts...they were normally boiled, mushy, bland and seriously gross. 
This past Winter I set out on a mission to add in some veggies to our lives that we didn't normally eat. It is a new day and age and you can find a recipe to make almost any vegetable taste good.
When I came across this recipe I knew it would be a winner. I mean, seriously, bacon makes everything better! When I fix this recipe I get the big 2lb bag of fresh Brussels Sprouts at Sam's Club and there are zero leftovers! The entire family always goes back for seconds, and the kids eat them up like candy. I usually serve them with a chicken as a main dish.
So much better than the sad version of Sprouts from my childhood.

~Bacon and Brussels Sprouts~

Ingredients

6-8 slices thick cut Bacon
2 lbs of fresh Brussels Sprouts (I normally get them as Sam's club because they have them fresh all year long. If they are in season and on sale, I will but them else where.)
Olive oil
Garlic (1-2 Cloves crushed, I use the jar version..and one heaping table spoon.)
Salt and Pepper to taste

First, pan fry the bacon until well done. Drain the bacon and chop. Set a side. Save the grease, you are going to cook the Sprouts in it. That is what makes them so wonderful.
While the bacon is cooking, prep the Sprouts. Wash, cut off the stem and cut in half.

 When the bacon is done, turn up the heat to medium high. Add the garlic and let it brown slightly. Then toss in the Sprouts and let them cook. Keep them moving and browning. The olive oil is only needed if the bacon grease is not enough to keep the bottom of the pan moist. Sometimes I need it, sometimes I don't.

 Keep cooking until they look like this. They will be soft on the outside but firm on the inside..not crunchy..just firm. Add the chopped bacon back in, salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.

 I highly suggest putting a lid on this until the rest of dinner is ready...I have to do this in my house..or there won't be any left by the time dinner is done. My kids sneak in and steal them constantly.
I usually pair this with a healthy oven "fried" chicken and a baked potato.

Enjoy!

~Tiny House Mom