Green Beans with Lemon and Pine Nuts

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Method:

Cook beans in a 4-quart saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 5 minutes, then drain well in a colander. Transfer to a bowl and toss with nuts, parsley, zest, oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Chinese Green Bean Stir-Fry

Prep Time 20 min.
Cook Time 15 min.
Serves 40

Ingredients:
1 cup vegetable oil
13 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
5 tablespoons minced garlic
5 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 (8 ounce) bottles black bean sauce

Method:
In a large wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in green beans; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and then stir in black bean sauce. Continue cooking until green beans are tender.

Pecan Green Beans

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups cut fresh green beans
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Method:
1. Place beans in a saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute the pecans in butter for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain beans; add to skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat.