Bacon and Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Now, I know what you are all thinking: Brussels sprouts... yuck! But wait! You have not had Brussels sprouts until you have tried these. These are not mushy nor bland. With the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, the smoky notes from the bacon and the aromatic flavor from the balsamic you will truly fall in love with these Brussels sprouts. 

4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped, reserving bacon grease
1 lb of Brussels sprouts
1 cup chopped mushrooms, combination of portobello, shiitake or button
1/2 onion, chopped
1/3 cup chicken stock
salt and pepper
2 - 3 tbsp aged balsamic 

Cook bacon in frying pan. While bacon is cooking trim the ends and any old outer leaves from the Brussels Sprouts. Cut the sprouts in half. Once the bacon is cooked remove from pan. Add the Brussels sprouts, onion and mushrooms to the bacon grease and brown at medium for about 10 minutes or until Brussels sprouts have some color and the mushrooms have released their moisture.  Season with salt and pepper and add bacon. Add the chicken stock and steam the sprouts for a few minutes (3 - 5 minutes). Brussels sprouts should be soft but still have a bite left to them. Remove from heat and add aged balsamic.

Enjoy! These can be served with pork, chicken or beef.