1. I’m happy to announce that I once again have an iPhone =)… and I feel no shame in admitting that I’m totally hooked on it.
2. Last Tuesday I treated myself to a kiddie cup of pumpkin soft serve from Truly Yogurt out here in Wellesley (<– best yogurt place around these parts… in my opinion).
Hey, it was 70° outside. That calls for a frozen treat, right?

Notice I wrote “kiddie” cup. Would you look at that huge tower of frozen yogurt?! There was more fro yo piled on top of the cup than there was actually in the cup.
And it cost less than $3.00.
Plus, the owner & employees are wicked nice and every flavor I’ve tasted has been phenomenal.
Like I said, best yogurt (and ice cream!) place that I’ve been to around Boston.
3. I’ve found yet another way to make time disappear: Greatist’s A-Z Guide. A compilation of recipes, exercise tips, nutrition articles, and other health-related information, you could easily spend hours on this website in what feels like the blink of an eye.
4. The following has become my go-to autumn salad:

- roasted sweet potato (or butternut squash) cubes (tossed with olive oil, maple syrup, salt & pepper; roast at 400°F for 25 minutes-30)
- chopped apple and/or pears
- dried cranberries
- crumbled blue and/or goat cheese
- toasted almonds/pecans/walnuts
- vinaigrette: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin butter, Dijon, s&p
5. Today on The Back Burner blog I’m sharing my recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon.

Perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish or alongside any weeknight meal!
Name | Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon |
---|---|
Cuisine | American |
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
Total Time | 35-40 minutes |
Servings | 4 |
Yield | 4 cups |
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (choose a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and hot for roasting your Brussels sprouts.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the Apples and Bacon
Add the sliced apples and chopped bacon to the same bowl with the Brussels sprouts.
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated. This will help the Brussels sprouts, apples, and bacon get beautifully caramelized in the oven.
5. Season It Right
Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper over the mixture. For a touch of sweetness, you can also drizzle a tablespoon of maple syrup. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is simply divine.
6. Roast to Perfection
Transfer the Brussels sprouts, apples, and bacon mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread everything out in an even layer.
7. Time to Roast
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, and the bacon is crispy. Be sure to give everything a gentle toss halfway through to ensure even cooking.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is beautifully roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow it to cool for a minute or two, then transfer the contents to a serving dish. The aroma will surely make your mouth water!
As you savor your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon, take a moment to reflect on your week ahead. Mondays can be hectic, but a comforting and nutritious meal like this can provide the motivation you need to tackle whatever comes your way.
Enjoy your delicious Monday dinner!
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome addition to your weekday menu. The combination of vibrant colors and rich flavors will make this dish a family favorite. So, why wait? Try it out this Monday and start your week on a delicious note!
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin D: 0%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 8%
- Potassium: 20%