Gobble, Gobble: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, from Chef Troy Walker of the Ranch at Las Colinas

While growing up in Western New York in late November was a special time. The cows were in the barn, most of the garden had been harvested, and for almost a full month by then, apple cider production was in full swing. There were brussel sprouts still in the ground and a few hard squashes were left to be harvested. Dad would be out hunting white tail deer. Most likely, there had been a few “snows,” some of which might really be sticking on the ground by Thanksgiving.

Grandpa & my Uncle Bill would come in from the barn, usually by 1 pm, just in time for dinner, which Gram would have been fixing for the past couple of days. Cooking for Thanksgiving dinner would be an almost two day affair.

With the sounds of the Macy’s day parade or the the post-game show in the background, the aromas of pumpkin pie and roasted turkey melding were magical. Here’s one of my family’s favorite dishes.

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

2 Lbs of Sprouts

2 Shallots diced

1 yellow onion sliced

1 Lbs of sliced Bacon

2 Tb of cider vinegar

Salt and Pepper

• The day ahead you can clean the sprouts and score the bottoms by slicing an X across the end
• Blanch in boiling salted water, cool in ice water. Spit them In half  This also can be done a day ahead
• In a large sauté pan start rendering  your  bacon over medium heat. I like to get them crispy
• Add the sliced shallots and onion and rendered bacon
• Toss the halved sprouts in the bacon mixture heat through
• add the vinegar and salt and pepper to taste
• Place in a serving dish

Troy Walker is the chef de cuisine at the Ranch at Las Colinas.