The Culinary Works

I encourage you to use produce in season and local to your area, so the moment you can find these in your farmers market, you have to make them.  (You can make them using frozen but they aren't as good) The almonds add a lovely texture and body and the lemon gives everything a bright finish.  They are also an easy side to prepare partially and finish just before dinner.  The gift of time when you are entertaining is always a BONUS!

Green Beans sauted with Almond and Lemon

• ½ pound of green beans cleaned and trimmed
• A hand full of sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• Salt and Pepper

The day before, boil enough water to cover the beans and salt it. It should taste like the ocean…it may seem like a lot but only a tiny bit will be absorbed by the beans making it perfectly seasoned! When the water is boiling, drop the beans in and let them boil for 8-12 minutes or until they are tender. When they are done, drop them in ice water, put them in a plastic bag with a few paper towels (so they are not sitting in water) and refridgerate them.

The day of, heat a sauté pan and add a dash of olive oil or butter. Drop the beans in and stir or flip until they are hot. Add the almonds and lemon, a bit of salt and pepper and mix. When they are hot, they are ready.