Recipe: Special Occasion Green Beans with Variations (make ahead)

SPECIAL OCCASION GREEN BEANS

BASIC COOKED GREEN BEANS:
In large saucepan of boiling water, cook 3 lbs green beans, trimmed, for 5-8 minutes or until tender-crisp; drain well.

TO MAKE-AHEAD:
Chill beans under cold running water; drain well. Wrap in towel and place in plastic bag; refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Choose a variation and prepare as follows:

VARIATIONS:

ALMOND ORANGE GREEN BEANS

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup orange marmalade
1 teaspoon orange rind, grated
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 recipe Cooked Green Beans (basic recipe above)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

In large saucepan, heat oil with butter over medium heat. Stir in marmalade, orange rind, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add beans and toss to coat; cover and cook, tossing twice, for about 8 minutes or until hot. Serve sprinkled with almonds.

ITALIANO GREEN BEANS

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 recipe of Cooked Green Beans (basic recipe above)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

In large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat; cook onions, red pepper, salt and pepper, stirring often, for 2 mins or until starting to wilt. Add beans and toss to coat; cover and cook, tossing twice, for about 8 mins or until hot. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

LEMONY GARLIC DILL GREEN BEANS

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 recipe Cooked Green Beans (basic recipe above)

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook garlic, stirring often, for 1 min or until starting to colour. Stir in dill, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Add beans and toss to coat; cover and cook, tossing twice, for 8 mins or until hot.

Servings: 12
Source: Canadian Living magazine - December 1999