Green Bean Surprise Food

THE BEST GREEN BEANS EVER

Steps:

• Snap the stem ends of the green beans, or cut them off in a big bunch with a knife if you'd prefer.
• Melt the bacon grease in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook for a minute. Then add the green beans and cook until the beans turn bright green, about a minute. Add the chicken broth, chopped red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid, leaving the lid cracked to allow steam to escape. Cook until the liquid evaporates and the beans are fairly soft, yet still a bit crisp, 20 to 30 minutes. You can add more chicken broth during the cooking process, but don't be afraid to let it all cook away so the onions and peppers can start to caramelize.

BASIC GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 to 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves; cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. Add 2 1/2 pounds trimmed green beans and a few pinches each of salt and sugar; cook 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, cover and cook until tender, about 6 minutes, then uncover and boil until the water evaporates, 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper; toss with chopped pecans.

BLISTERED GREEN BEANS WITH HERB SAUCE

Steps:

• Pulse 1 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup each fresh parsley and pistachios and 1 scallion in a food processor. Pulse in 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook 1 1/4 pounds green beans in olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add a splash of water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Toss with the sauce.

GREEN BEAN STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Whisk together honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, to taste, in a small bowl; set aside. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet on high heat. Add the green beans and cook, stirring 2 to 3 minutes until dark green and caramelized. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 2 minutes longer. Add the sauce, stir to incorporate and heat another minute. Transfer to a serving dish and serve.

TATER TOT GREEN BEAN SURPRISE

Steps:

• Brown ground turkey (or beef), season to taste (Johnny's Seasoning Salt is very good for this, but salt and pepper will do nicely), drain and set aside.
• Heat oven to 425 degrees.
• Line the bottom of an 11x13 rectangular baking dish with the frozen tater tots.
• Layer the browned ground meat next, then the green beans.
• In a bowl or large measuring cup mix the soup and enough milk that when mixed with the soup makes it easy to pour but not excessively runny.
• Pour mixture on top of the green beans and spread around to coat the top of the casserole.
• Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 30-45 minutes until casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

RIDICULOUSLY EASY LEMONY GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Toss green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and still crunchy.
• Drain and "shock" in ice water to stop cooking.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Olive oil cooking spray works just as well, if you want to shave a few calories.
• Add beans and saute for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. It's okay if some of the beans brown up a bit.
• Transfer to serving dish.
• Squeeze lemon halves over the beans and toss to coat.
• Add salt to taste. (I omit this step).