Roasted Brussel Sprouts with GARLIC

As a kid my parents would tease me that instead of having cake for my birthday, I would be getting brussel sprouts. Now with my own children, I find myself teasing my kids in the same way, but after the teasing I wonder why?  Brussel sprouts are fantastic and while I do not find them an appropriate substitute for birthday cake, roasted brussel sprouts are a terrific side dish.  So maybe it is time to start throwing another food “under the bus,” (my vote is for olives, yuck!) because brussel sprouts are so tasty. 

Serves four as a side dish

1-pound brussel sprouts

4-6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

5 gloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Trim the bottom of the brussel sprout, cut in half.  Toss sprouts with oil, garlic and salt and pepper to taste.  Bake for 20-25 minutes shaking the pan every five minutes or so.  Sprouts should be golden brown when done.  When finished stir in balsamic vinegar and add salt and pepper to taste.