Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

We have come to love Brussels sprouts at Becker Farms!  Typically, I prepare them by lightly tossing in a little oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and then roasting them in the oven, adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese once done.  I recently enjoyed a sweet and savory preparation method at a restaurant and thought I would give it a try at home (photos below).  Note: While totally delicious, I'm fairly certain that any and all healthfulness of the Brussels sprouts is completely negated when making them in this way ;)

Ingredients:
4 c Brussels sprouts
6 strips of bacon (note: or use bacon ends...they are on sale this week!)
6 TBSP butter
4 TBSP maple syrup (or less, if you don't want quite as much sweetness)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Rinse Brussels sprouts and slice or cut into desired-size pieces.  Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut the bacon/bacon ends into strips around 3/4" in size.  Heat the bacon strips in a saute pan until crispy.  Remove and place on a paper towel.  In the same pan, combine the butter with the remaining bacon fat.  Once melted, add the Brussels sprouts and cook over medium-heat until they begin to caramelize, stirring often.  Add the bacon pieces back to the pan and add in the maple syrup.  Heat for another 1-2 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached.  Season with salt and pepper.