Autumn days

All that I try to deny it, the slow slide into winter is beginning. It snowed yesterday (only a tiny bit, and it didn't stick), and I daren't leave the house without mittens now. But, as Autumn is my favourite season, I'm going to make the most of it while it's still here...

 I've been trying to eat seasonally as much as possible this year, and at the moment that seems to mean...

Sprouts!

I never used to enjoy sprouts, but I think that's probably due to the boiled-within-an-inch-of-their-lives treatment that they were getting more than anything else. But I have been scouting about for recipes, and have found some that are really delicious!

Sprout recipe #1. Roasted Brussel sprouts with sweet chilli
This one is super-easy. I made it yesterday and ended up making it into a pasta dish (just cooked pasta, a little butter, salt, pepper and these sprouts)

Sprout recipe #2. Sprouts with chestnuts and pancetta
This is my current favourite sprouts recipe, because apparently nothing makes a vegetable better than throwing a load of bacon at it! The recipe I originally worked from was from Nigella Lawson's Feast (a brilliant cookbook), but this one is altered a bit because she has a tendency to put marsala in everything (and use lots of other fancy ingredients that I can't afford!) 
1kg Brussel sprouts 
1 pack vacuum-sealed chestnuts
1 pack bacon (or pancetta)
knob of butter
salt and pepper 
Cut the ends off the sprouts and shed the outer leaves (they'll probably just come away by themselves) while bringing a pan of water to the boil. Once boiling, tip the sprouts in and cook for 5 minutes, so they've still got a bit of bite. While they're cooking, cut the bacon into cubes and break up the chestnuts a bit. Melt the butter in a pan big enough to take everything afterwards, and fry the bacon bits. Add the Chestnuts and sprouts, and stir-fry for a few minutes more. Season to taste and eat with lots of crusty bread!