Southern-Style Green Beans

Although green vegetables cooked crisp-tender is au courant, nothing can beat these old-fashioned, slowly simmered green beans.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2/3 cup water
3 dashes hot pepper sauce
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

Cooking Directions:

1. In small skillet cook bacon until crisp. Remove; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet.
2. Add onion, celery and garlic to skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until tender but not browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add water to skillet, bring to boil. Stir in green beans, bacon and hot pepper sauce. Reduce heat, simmer 20 to 25 minutes or to desired doneness.

Makes 4 servings.

*Or use 1 (16-ounce) package frozen cut green beans.

Adapted recipe provided courtesy of National Pork Board.