I stumbled upon this recipe for Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash and it’s the perfect side dish for the fall. It’s full of flavor – black pepper dusted pecans, dried cranberries and a touch of orange zest. A sweet & savory combo that is the perfect addition to any fall meal.

Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

serves 4-5 as a side dish

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. brussels sprouts washed, trimmed and halved
• 1 1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled then diced into 1/2 in cubes (about 3 cups)
• 2 T olive oil, divided
• salt
• 1 cup of your favorite pecan mix

Glaze ingredients – Mix together glaze and set aside before making vegetables:

• 2 T butter, melted
• 2 T honey
• 3 T fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1 T orange zest
• 1/2 t black pepper
• 2 t apple cider vinegar

Steps:

1. In a large saute pan, heat 1 T olive oil over medium heat. Swirl to coat pan, then add in squash. Stir the squash pieces so they are coated with oil and sprinkle with 1/4 t salt. Shake the pan so squash spreads out in an even layer and let cook, without stirring, so that they brown a bit on one side (several minutes). Stir and spread the pieces out again and let cook without stirring so more sides get browned. Let cook until the squash is soft, but holds it shape. (This will depend on the size you cut your squash so try one to test.) Once done, remove from heat and pour into a bowl.
2. Heat the other tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat using the same pan. When it’s very hot, place the brussels sprouts cut side down in the oil, sprinkling with 1/2 t salt. Turn the heat to medium, and sear on one side until nicely browned, about three minutes. Turn the brussels sprouts over and cook on the other side until nicely browned and tender, three to five minutes. Some of the leaves can be charred dark brown or black. Turn heat down to low and add the squash back to the pan, along with the pecan mix.
3. Stir in the glaze and cook for a few minutes, coating all ingredients and warming through.