When I was little, I hated Brussels Sprouts. They smelled like…well…we don’t have to say what they smelled like. But it was enough to turn me off ever wanting to eat them!

Thankfully, my palate has changed, and I’ve learned the secret to enjoying the wonderful Brussel Sprout: caramelize them!!

I typically make Brussels Sprouts in olive oil, salt and pepper, and they are delicious. But today, I’ve added some things to the party to spice things up:

Pecans and balsamic reduction.

Here is what you will need:

1 lb of Brussels Sprouts, washed and dried
1 1/2 – 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1/2 – 1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup pecans, pieces and halves
1 tsp balsamic reduction, store bought or homemade

Preheat oven to 350F.

1. Cut the bottoms off the Brussels Sprouts and peel some of the leaves off the sprout. Place the leaves on an ungreased sheet pan. Cut the remaining sprout in half and place it on the sheet pan as well. Repeat with the entire pound of Brussels Sprouts.

2. Drizzle the sprouts with EVOO, salt and pepper and toss with your hands until everything is coated. Bake the sprouts for 10 minutes.

3. At the 10 minute mark, open the oven and sprinkle the sprouts with 1/4 cup of pecan pieces and halves (not whole). No tossing necessary – you don’t want to disrupt the caramelization process! Bake for another 10 minutes.

4. Pull them out of the oven and drizzle with 1/2 – 1 tsp of balsamic reduction. Toss to coat. Serve warm.

The leaves will be crispy, just like a good chip, and the cores of the sprouts will be nice and caramelized – so good!!