Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

1 embarrassingly huge stalk of Brussels sprouts, purchased at Haymarket

6 slices of bacon

1 T olive oil (if there is not enough bacon grease)

Finely grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Break off the sprouts, throw away the gross-looking leaves but keep the single leaves that still look yummy. Wash and dry, cut in half, put them in a bowl.

3. Cook bacon on the stove, not until entirely crispy, but to get off the bacon fat. Cut slices of bacon into small pieces. Toss sprouts with bacon pieces, bacon grease, extra oil if necessary, and salt and pepper.

4.       Spread sprouts and bacon pieces on a baking sheet in one layer, cut-side down. Cook for 10 minutes, then toss. Cook for 10-20 more minutes, depending on how crispy you want them.

Serves 3 people as a side, with a main dish of cookies.