There has been one or two posts on brussels sprouts on Foodbuzz lately, making me hungry. When I saw some at the store yesterday, I knew it was time for bacon and brussels sprouts to meet once more. In the above dish, the brussels sprouts were quickly cooked in a microwave and then placed under the broiler after being tossed in a light coat of olive oil. Dry direct heat intensifies the natural nutty flavor that goes well with a light dressing of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and crispy bacon bits.

15-minute Broiled Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
2 cup fresh brussels sprouts
3 strips of bacon
1 garlic clove (small)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil

1. Cook bacon strips partially on a plate in the microwave for 2 minutes with a piece of paper towel over them.
   
2. While bacon is cooking, wash the brussels sprouts before cutting them into halves or quarters. Remove bacon from microwave and transfer them to a frying pan to crisp.
3. In a covered microwave safe bowl, steam the wet sprouts for 4 minutes.
4. Mince garlic clove finely, and add to a separate mixing bowl with vinegar and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Reserve some olive oil for broiling the sprouts. You can crack some black pepper in at this point too, and add a pinch of salt if you wish. The bacon bits are naturally salty and so I chose to skip salt. Mix the garlic, vinegar & oil dressing vigorously and set aside.
5. When sprouts are done, drain excess water from the bowl and drizzle remaining olive oil over sprouts. Stir to coat before transferring sprouts to baking sheet. Place under broiler for 5-8 minutes.
6. When the cut edges of the brussels sprouts begin to brown, remove from broiler and transfer sprouts to mixing bowl with oil and vinegar dressing. With a scissors, snip crispy bacon in and stir well to coat the sprouts before serving.