Brussel Sprouts & Butternut Squash with Bacon Vinaigrette

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Thanksgiving Recipes

I debated not posting this picture with the recipe because, let's face it, this looks disgusting.  But it's really quite yummy.  The Dijon mustard, bacon and onion give a lot of flavor to the brussel sprouts and butternut squash.  The recipe does take some time to put together...and usually I like to focus my energy on the main dishes, not the side dishes.  But I knew this dish was yummy and my main dish was in a crockpot, so it was totally worth it! 

Ingredients:

• 4 oz bacon pieces
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 3 Tbs cider vinegar
• 1 Tbs firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp thyme
• 7 Tbs olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ lb brussel sprouts, trimmed
• 1 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into ¾” dice
• 1 tsp sage

Directions:

·         Sauté onion over medium heat with one tablespoon of olive oil, stirring occasionally until tender, 2-3 minutes. 

·         In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, thyme, onion and bacon. Slowly whisk in 4 Tbs olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Set the vinaigrette aside.

·         Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to boil over medium heat.  Add the brussel sprouts and cook until just tender, 4-6 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon transfer the brussel sprouts to a bowl and slice in half.

·         Return the water in the pot to a boil, add the butternut squash to a boil until just tender, 4-6 minutes.  Drain water. 

·         In a large sauté pan over medium heat warm 1 Tbs olive oil .  Add the squash and sauté stirring occasionally until light golden brown and warmed through, 3-4 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl. 

·         In the same pan over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 1 Tbs olive oil.  Place the brussel sprouts, cut side down, in the pan.  Cook without moving them for 3-4 minutes, then stir and add the sage.  Cook for 2 minutes more.  Transfer to the bowl with the squash.  Add the vinaigrette, stir and serve immediately.