Green Bean Bundles

By Kelly Bogard

Have you ever looked at a recipe and thought, “Oh my, that is just too fancy”? Or have you seen the actual dish at a dinner party and thought, “There is no way I could ever be a good enough cook to make that”? Well, I have a confession to make…sometimes I think the same thing.

There are some dishes that I could never in a million years think that I had enough skill to make. What’s silly about it is that they are actually quite simple. Take this week’s recipe for example. The first time I saw these at a catered dinner I remember assembling them in my head and thinking there must be some trick to making them because they look so fancy. I can tell you now, it’s all about presentation.

For Green Bean Bundles, you will need…
1 lb fresh green beans, rinsed & trimmed
10 thick cut bacon slices
4 tbsp. salted butter
2 tsp. coarse ground pepper
2 tsp. dried garlic
1/2 tsp. salt

These pretty little bundles would be perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. They are quick and easy to assemble and look stunning on a table with other foods. Now, of course, you could make these beans with canned beans, but I am a big fan of fresh veggies. I think they give a prettier look and the beans will be more crisp.

First things, first. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. While your oven is heating up, cut the bacon slices in half so you have 20 even pieces. You can reduce or add to the number of servings on this very easily by adding more bacon and beans.

Lay the bacon flat and place 5 to 6 green beans to the center. Then wrap the bacon around the green beans and place seam side down on a lined baking sheet.

Once you have all of the bundles assembled, melt your butter and stir in all of the seasonings.

Brush the beans with the butter mixture and place in the oven to roast for 30-40 minutes or until the bacon is cooked through.

Green beans are normally a summer or warm season crop; however, with the warmer climate in Texas you should still be able to get your hands on some good fresh ones. Just know as it gets colder, they will be harder to find locally. I hope you try these out and maybe even serve them with your Thanksgiving feast. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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