Brussels Sprouts With Fennel Food

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON

Steps:

• Brown bacon in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Add extra-virgin olive oil to the pan, 1 turn. Add shallots to the pan and saute 1 to 2 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and coat in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook Brussels sprouts 2 to 3 minutes to begin to soften, then add broth. Bring broth to a bubble, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook 10 minutes, until tender. Transfer sprouts to a serving dish with a slotted spoon and top with cooked bacon bits.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND WALNUTS WITH FENNEL AND SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• Toast the walnuts in oven for 10 minutes. Cool.
• Bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil, add the sprouts and cook about 8-10 minutes, until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
• Bring another pan of water to the boil. Add the shallots or pearl onions and cook 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Slip the skins off and remove the stem ends.
• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large, heavy skillet. Put the shallots or onions into the pan, sprinkle with the sugar, salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the fennel and continue cooking 5 minutes.
• Combine the walnuts with the broth in a small pan and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until the mixture is syrupy.
• Add to the shallots (or onions) and fennel along with the sprouts and remaining tablespoon butter. Stir over medium-low heat until the sprouts are heated through.