Showing posts with label Green Beans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Beans. Show all posts

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Buttered Green Beans with Leeks and Sliced Almonds


A leek is similar to a very mildly flavored combination of onions and garlic. An interesting fact- like all of their cousins(onions, leeks, shallots, garlic) let them sit for 5 minutes after cutting before cooking enhances the healthy qualities!

Buttered Green Beans with Leeks and Sliced Almonds

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (Haricot Verts are my favorite a long thin green bean)
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 leeks, thinly sliced and cleaned
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds
Lemon zest and juice
black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Steam green beans in a small amount of water with 1/4 teaspoon salt, until beans tender; drain.
2. Toast sliced almonds in a skillet no oils needed. Stir over medium heat till brown. remove from burner and pan immediately as any additional heat will cause them to burn once they reach the browning point.
3. Heat the butter in the same large skillet you did the almonds in, and saute the leeks until they're lightly browned. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
4. Add almonds(setting aside a few for the top) to the fully cooked leeks. Toss the mixture with the steamed green beans and season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle remaining almonds on top.

Crispy Leeks
Cut leeks into 2-inch lengths. Holding the leek sections cut side up, cut lengthwise so that you end up with thin strips, known as the chiffonade cut, slicing until you reach the green portion. Make sure slices are cut very thin to shorten cooking time. Let leeks sit for at least 5 minutes before cooking.

No leeks? Use this simple recipe with just the green beans! Its delicious either way!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Perfect Thanks and Giving

Perfecting Thanks and Giving! 

There are a million articles, shows and recipes about Thanksgiving this time of the year...Of course all the pro's come out to show you how it is done. There are a few that I have found to to be tried and true turkey wise; plus, a few additions to the table that are unique to us,  but loved by all who try them! So I'll share the turkey methods I prefer, and bring some new additions to the Table as well as a new Thanksgiving table setting! 

Menu- Let's Create a Plan

Perfect Two Hour Turkey
Prepare by defrosting your turkey, if not a fresh turkey. About 24 hrs per 5-6 lbs. So a 22lb turkey can take 4 days in the fridge! I buy at least 18-24 lbs. I find anything smaller is buying a lot of bone weight.


Make Ahead Sides With EasePrepare these sides 1-2 days ahead of time. Remove from refrigerator around 1 hour prior to completion of turkey. As the turkey rests for twenty minutes bake them at 350 degrees. Everything will arrive at the table at the same time, hot and ready! 
  • Cranberry, Sausage and Brown Bread Stuffing 
Make a day ahead and stuff this one in the neck cavity, not the body.  
  • Perfect Rustic Corn Bread Stuffing 
Make a day ahead and bake in a dish. 
Make at least 24 hours ahead of time for optimum flavor. 
Make a day ahead and bake
  • Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
The Sour Cream makes them smooth and creamy! Make ahead by roasting potatoes with skins on, in oven, or boiling and letting rest in fresh water earlier in the day. Roasted anything tastes so much better, and the nutrients stay intact as apposed to boiling.
    • Buttery Green Beans Almondine with Crispy Leeks
    Leeks may sound unusual but the flavors are a mild combo of garlic and onion. So a wonderful, very easy component to Green Beans and almonds!
      Make a LOT! I'm telling you I have the perfect foods for the leftovers, which is sincerely my favorite part!