Lucky Sprouts + Bacon

I am a lucky girl.


I am a lucky girl because I live with a boy who enjoys cooking.
I am a lucky girl because I live with a boy who not only enjoys cooking, but is actually pretty good at it.
I am a lucky girl because I live with a boy who not only enjoys cooking, is actually pretty good at it, but also makes sure the things he cooks for me are healthy.


Because, while I may be a lucky girl, my metabolism is not so lucky - and if it were up to me every meal would consist of red-velvet cupcakes and sprinkles.... or cookies crumbled on top of ice cream. Girls like me need a little health in their life, so every once in a while she can justify eating half a jar of peanut butter. With a spoon. Topped with chocolate chips. 


One of Eric's favorite sides has always been Brussels sprouts. Yes, he is one of those people who claims he "llooooooovvess" Brussels sprouts. He'd prepare them on the stovetop with a little water, and we'd eat them alongside our chicken breasts. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate that he makes me these healthy meals, but the Brussels sprouts weren't doing anything for me. They were slightly soggy and a little bland. They needed to be kicked up. 


And boy, has Eric ever kicked them up.

These Brussels sprouts are a testament to the idea that bacon makes everything better. I cannot tell you how amazing they are. Roasted, crispy on the outside and incredibly savory. Honestly, the bowl above stands alone as a meal for me. All Eric does is cut up some fresh Brussels sprouts, sprinkle with a bit of olive oil, a little salt a pinch of pepper and then adds three strips of cut-up bacon. They get roasted at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes, and let me tell you, the smell taunts you for that entire 35 minutes.


And don't let anyone tell you bacon is not healthy. Sure, eight strips of bacon is not healthy, but three strips of bacon split between two people is not going to stop your heart. And if you're thinking of substituting turkey bacon - DON'T. Turkey bacon is not meat. It is processed slurry masked as health food. Go with the real stuff, I promise it's worth it.


Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go back to dreaming about the whole barbecue chicken that is currently roasting in the slow cooker for dinner tonight.


Did I mention I'm a lucky girl?