Brussels Sprouts with Dates & Bacon!

Wow, i had these at a place called Gjelina's in Venice, CA & couldn't get them out of my mind. Couldn't find a recipe online so recreated them from memory, using a couple similar recipes from food network as aids for technique.

I made these as a side dish for 8 people for X'mas dinner.
so start with 2 bags of brussels sprouts (1 lb each) & roast them using this recipe from Barefoot Contessa. When the sprouts are roasting, dice 4 strips of bacon (i used the Niman Ranch one from Trader Joe's) & a handful of dates. Heat 1-2 tsp olive oil in a saute pan & add the bacon. When the bacon is crisp, add a handful of pine nuts & brown. Add the chopped dates and 2T of white wine vinegar & cook for 2-3 min until dates are soft & everything is well blended. Remove the brussels sprouts from the oven, mix & serve immediately. Note - you can cook a bit earlier & reheat before serving - still tastes good but brussels sprouts will not be as crunchy.

Gujju style Collard Greens

this is a quick & simple new recipe i came up with, using ingredients i had handy at home. The sweet potatoes cut through the bitterness of the collards & really complement the flavors.

Temper 2 tsp hot oil with 1 tsp jeera seeds, 1/2 tsp methi seeds and a pinch of hing. when the seeds are sizzling, add 1T chopped garlic. when garlic browns, add 1/2 sliced jalapeno & 1 Med onion & saute until softened. add 1 large chopped sweet potato or yam & cook for 2 min. add 1bunch chopped collard greens & stir until wilted. add 1/2 cup of water & cook for 15-20 min until yams are soft.

End result - delish, healthy & a simple way to use new ingredients