Brussels with Bacon and Juniper

1. 1

   Bring a pan of water to a boil.

2. 2

   Remove any tatty outer leaves from the sprouts, then drop them into the boiling water.

3. 3

   Return to a boil and simmer for three or four minutes, until they are bright and crisp.

4. 4

   Drain in a colander.

5. 5

   Fry the bacon in a nonstick pan until crisp and golden.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, slice the sprouts in half.

7. 7

   Once the bacon is ready, remove and drain on paper towels.

8. 8

   Add the sprouts to the panthey will pick up all the crusty bits left in the pan by the bacon.

9. 9

   Crush the juniper berries with the side of a knife blade or a pestleyou only need flatten them.

10. 10

    Add them to the sprouts, along with a light grinding of salt and some black pepper.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, cut the bacon into pieces no smaller than a postage stamp.

12. 12

    When the sprouts are starting to soften but are still bright in color, return the bacon to the pan for a few minutes.

13. 13

    Serve sizzling hot.

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