Monday, December 30, 2013

Green Bean Casserole

http://static.thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/files/2010/11/greenbeans.jpg 

The Pioneer Woman

Servings: 8

  •     2 pounds Fresh Green Beans, Ends Cut Off
  •     4 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/4 Inch Pieces
  •     3 cloves Garlic, Minced
  •     1/2 whole Large Onion, Chopped
  •     4 Tablespoons Butter
  •     4 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
  •     2-1/2 cups Whole Milk
  •     1/2 cup Half-and-half
  •     1-1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
  •     Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
  •     1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  •     1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  •     1 jar (4 Ounce) Sliced Pimentoes, Drained
  •     Extra Milk For Thinning If Necessary
  •     1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
Prep Time: 20 Minutes / Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Cut green beans in half if you like pieces to be a little smaller.

Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow green beans to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain beans once they're cool and set aside.

Add bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon for two minutes, then add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bacon is done (but not crisp) and onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or two, then pour in milk and half and half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne then add the grated cheddar. Stir while cheese melts. Turn off heat.

Add pimentos to pan, then add bacon/onion mixture. Stir to combine. Pour over green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and panko crumbs are golden.

 My Notes: This is really good. A step up from the classic version, but not as complicated as Martha Stewart. I used a combo of panko and crushed fried onions. The bacon brings it all together.

MXF

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