Warm Brussel Sprout Salad w/Citrus Vinaigrette & Garlic Bread

Tuesday I used mainly ingredients already on hand and made this awesome meal for under $10.  This is one of my MOST. FAVORITE. SALADS. EVER.

Warm Brussel Sprout Salad w/Citrus Vinaigrette and Garlic Bread
All I had to buy was a loaf of french bread, 2 lbs of brussel sprouts (on sale, no less), and a small package of crumbled walnuts.

Warm Brussel Sprout Salad
However many brussel sprout heads you need to serve your family (I used about 2lbs for two adults, with left overs), washed, quartered and 'leaves' separated in bowl
3 slices bacon, crispy
1/4 cup crushed nut of choice (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled croutons (I like to use Caesar flavored)
1 cup cheese of choice (this time I used soft pepper goat cheese)
1 granny smith apple, peeled and diced
Citrus vinaigrette
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Place brussel sprouts in skillet with EVOO and cook until a bright green (I like to add just a touch of the bacon fat for flavor). While steaming the sprouts, place bacon on griddle until very crispy. When ready, crumble the bacon and combine with sprouts in serving bowl. Sprinkle with cheese, crouton crumbs, diced apple, and nuts. Mix in dressing. Season if desired.

Citrus Vinaigrette
For a super fast, super simple dressing combine equal parts Newman's Own Low-Fat Sesame Ginger dressing with orange juice, or make your own with one part olive oil, one part cider vinegar, and one or two parts orange juice (depending how sweet you want it), 1 tbsp soy sauce, and salt/pepper to taste (add red pepper flakes for a little spice or a little sesame oil and seeds for an asian twist)

Garlic Bread
Cut the loaf in half lengthwise. Melt a few tablespoons of butter. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and crushed garlic to taste. Spread over tops of both sides. Sandwich bread together, wrap in aluminum foil, and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes (this soaks the flavor deep into the bread). Right before serving unwrap the bread and broil on high for a few minutes, until edges are crispy and center is soft. Eat up! For a more sinful treat melt cheese on top during the broil time. Mmmmm....