Dinner for Two

I’m not one to be particularly trendy when it comes to what I eat. I just love food. Kale and quinoa and coconut water do not get me excited, and I will never love pretend-alfredo-sauce-made-with-cauliflower. Macaroons are my favorite because they are my favorite. Same thing with Brussel Sprouts. *The following recipe is not an endorsement of the new trend in green vegetables. It’s just my new favorite dinner. 

Once a month, some of the neatest, cleverest women I know get together for “Gourmet Night.” It’s an opportunity to try new recipes and eat new foods. Last time I attended, one of my friends brought a warm Brussels sprouts salad. Because it was one of the only dishes that I could eat (thank you Celiac Disease), and because I ended up loving it, I ate a double portion. 

At least once a week now (but usually more),  I prepare a variation of my friend’s warm Brussels salad for dinner. It makes up fast and is super filling. Plus, Brussels sprouts are insanely healthy. I think that all my friends, especially those who share my love for bacon, should eat this for dinner.

All you need is Brussels sprouts, bacon, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and feta cheese. Enjoy!  

Step one. Pour one half cup of balsamic vinegar and two tablespoons of maple syrup into a small sauce pan. Turn the heat on high and stir occasionally to make a reduction.

Step two. Put about half a package (or more...) of bacon in a large skillet. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to make small cubes. Cover with a lid, and stir the bacon occasionally.

Isn’t it beautiful?

Step three. Don’t forget about the balsamic reduction. Go stir.

Step four. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside to cool. Leave the grease in the pan. This is weird, but just go with it. If your bacon is fatty and makes a lot of grease, pour out a little bit.

Step five. Add roughly two and a half cups of shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan with the bacon grease. Cover and allow to cook for about five to ten minutes. Remove the lid to stir occasionally.  The sprouts should be soft, but not wilted. A little crunch is good.

Step six. Scoop sprouts into bowls and sprinkle in layers of feta cheese and bacon. Then pour the balsamic reduction on top. (It won’t seem like a lot of liquid, but it spreads around well when stirred.)  

That’s it! My favorite dinner for two in fifteen minutes and in two dishes. Brandon and I highly recommend watching West Wing while you eat this. It makes the bacon taste really special. Here is a clip from one of our favorite episodes.

PS, Buy shaved Brussels sprouts. It’s so much cheaper and easier than buying the little Brussels sprout balls and slicing them with a mandolin. I go through almost two bags from Trader Joe’s (about 10 ounces each) when I make Brussels sprout salad for dinner.