Magnificently Memorable Green Beans

Side dishes rarely get the respect they deserve. I often compare side dishes to bass players in 4 piece rock bands...essential but often forgotten.

Here is a side dish from my book that generates a lot of positive feedback from people. Obviously these green beans are rarely forgotten. I guess you could say this colorful side dish has a way of stealing the show.

Magnificently Memorable Green Beans

Instruments
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1 lb (454 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
¼ cup orange marmalade
2 tsp grated lemon zest
¼ tsp salt
Pinch or two crushed red pepper flakes

Lyrics
On a large baking sheet, arrange almonds in a single layer. Bake in a 350ºF oven until almonds are lightly browned, about 3 minutes (keep a close eye on them because they burn quickly). Set aside and let cool.

Place beans in a large steamer basket. Set steamer basket over a large saucepan of boiling water. Cover and steam beans just until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat marmalade over medium heat. Cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in steamed beans, lemon zest, salt, red pepper flakes and half the toasted almonds. Mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle remaining toasted almonds on top and serve.

Volume: Makes 6 Servings

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Brent Garell
The Kitchen Roadie
brent@cookapalooza.com