Chestnuts & Sprouts

Cut crosses onto flat sides of chestnuts with a sharp knife. Drop into boiling water. Boil 15 min.; remove skins. Trim sprouts; score each root end with an X. Place chestnuts in vegetable steamer over boiling water. Steam 10 min. Add sprouts; steam 7-10 min., until sprouts are tender. Toss chestnuts and sprouts with butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Crumble bacon on top.

1 lb. chestnuts 2 10-oz. pkgs. brussels sprouts 3 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 6 thin bacon slices; cooked crisp Salt and pepper, to taste