Holiday Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Goat Cheese

 

With Christmas just one week away, I couldn't wait to share this festive holiday side dish with you all! The perfect red, green, and white combination that even Santa would approve of! Yep! I still believe in Santa (wink wink!). My mom says that as long as you believe, Santa will keep bringing you presents. At 27 years old I still receive gifts from Santa under the tree. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Anyways, these sweet and creamy sprouts are then drizzled with a little bit of balsamic vinegar, which adds a little acidity to the dish and really makes the flavors pop!

Holiday Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. brussels sprouts, stemmed, outside leaves removed, and then halved
• 1 tbsp. bacon fat (or oil)
• 2/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/3 cup pecan halves
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• salt & pepper to taste

Heat bacon fat over medium heat and add in the brussels. Cook, turning occasionally for 5 minutes. Add in the cranberries and cook for another 3 minutes, until the brussels have softened and the cranberries are beginning to burst.

Add in the pecan halves and the balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 minute more, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, top with the crumbled goat cheese.