Fill a saucepot with water and bring to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside. Place Brussels sprouts in boiling water for 45 seconds, or until they turn bright green. Drain and place immediately in ice bath. In a separate pan, render bacon over low heat until pieces are crispy. Remove bacon from pan and add drained, cooled Brussels sprouts to the bacon drippings. Sear the Brussels sprouts over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, until edges brown. Return bacon to pan. Sprinkle with pepper, toss and serve.

Recipe by Kaitlyn Roberts, executive chef/owner,
Easy Entertaining Inc., Providence