Braised Brussel Sprouts

Based on this recipe from Cook's Illustrated:

For Liz: Don't use the bottom part of the double-boiler! That's reserved only for double-boiling.

Use small brussel sprouts when possible. If larger than 1-1/2" plan to cut them in half.
Recipe makes enough for 2-4 people, depending on how much they like brussel sprouts.

1 lb brussel sprouts
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp table or sea salt
pepper to taste
1-2 Tbl butter

Prepare the brussel sprouts by removing loose or discolored leaves and trimming the stems.

Using a 2-quart saucepan, put the sprouts in the pot along with the water and salt.

Heat on medium high until they begin to boil, shaking the saucepan once or twice to redistribute the sprouts.

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let simmer for 8-10 min until a sharp knife doesn't feel any resistance when poking the center of the sprouts.

Drain and place in serving dish, allowing butter to melt over the warm sprouts. Sprinkle with fresh pepper.