Fresh green beans are so delicious!  Once you’ve had them, it’s hard to go back to canned green beans – and certainly not store-bought ones!  The trick is boiling them for a few minutes, and then giving them an icy cold bath (also called “blanching”) to keep them from continuing to cook.

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Walnuts:

• 1 pound of farm-fresh green beans
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Boil water in a heavy saucepan.  Add green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Drain beans in a colander and place the colander in a large bowl that has been filled with ice and cold water.  Be sure that all green beans begin to cool down immediately.

Heat olive oil a skillet over medium high heat.  Add garlic and saute till slightly brown.  Add green beans and walnuts and continue cooking until beans are warm and crisp – 5-7 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.