To prepare maple roasted pecans

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a microwave safe dish, melt butter and sugar in microwave for 30 seconds.
• Stir in maple syrup, salt & cayenne.
• Pour butter-maple syrup mixture over pecans and stir well.
• Put on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Let cool.

To prepare brussels sprouts

• Turn oven up to 425°F. Reline baking sheet with aluminum foil.

• Halve brussels sprouts, cut off any excess stem & remove any tough leaves.
• In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from heat & lay on paper towel to drain.
• Check bacon fat to see if you have about 3 tablespoons in the skillet. If not, supplement with olive oil to make up the difference. Toss brussels sprouts into the fat. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
• Pour out onto prepared baking sheet.
• Roast in oven for 10 minutes, turn and roast another 10 minutes.
• While brussels sprouts are roasting, combine maple syrup and balsamic vinegar together.
• Remove brussels sprouts from oven and pour maple mixture over all and add about ¾ of the bacon. Toss to coat.
• Place back in oven for another 5 minutes.
• When ready to serve top with remaining bacon and roasted pecans.