Bacon & Ranch Smashed Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

These crispy & flavorful Bacon & Ranch Smashed Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts will quickly become your new go-to side dish...

Confession time: Once upon a time I was one of those kids who didn't like Brussels sprouts. I wouldn't go near them. I had even convinced myself that they were the little cabbages that Cabbage Patch dolls were born from (yes, I had quite the imagination as a kiddo). 

Not that I think that made me unique or anything as a child (other than that Cabbage Patch dolls bit ;) ). It seems to be pretty standard that most kids won't touch Brussels sprouts. Even my own kiddos aren't fans of them.

This has me convinced that Brussels sprouts must be an acquired taste, something you must come to appreciate and love as you get older. I also have another theory about my disgust with Brussels sprouts growing up- they weren't being cooked right. The sprouts I ate as a kid were steamed, and mushy, and pretty bland. It wasn't until I had oven roasted Brussels sprouts early into my adulthood that I finally found my affinity for this misunderstood veggie.

Beer & Ranch Chicken & Potato Kabobs

Juicy chunks of chicken and hearty potatoes are marinated in a simple 4 ingredient marinade, skewered, and then grilled to perfection in these Beer & Ranch Chicken & Potato Kabobs...

Is the 4th of July really just 3 days away??

I don't know about you all, but the Fourth always calls for a barbecue filled with good food and good times with friends & family.

And this year, that barbecue will be followed by sparklers, a fire pit with s'mores, and fireworks from the front yard... 

Yes, folks... from our front yard.

We discovered that little gem last summer after having already crowded into our little town the night before and waiting for well over an hour with a restful toddler to watch the big fireworks display.

The next night we heard some booming coming from outside our house & were greeted with a very lovely fireworks display from the lake community adjacent to us.

From the comfort of our own front yard.

Needless to say, we will not be making the trek into the city this week to sit in a crowded parking lot on the bumper of our car to see a fireworks show.