Spicing up the daily veg is always a challenge. Doubly so when you want to let the natural flavors speak for themselves. So here’s what I do when I want to add a little zing to string beans.

Ready

• Green beans, wax beans or any kind of string bean
• Slivered almonds
• Dab of butter
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Set

• Pot of boiling water
• Bowl of ice cold water
• Colander
• Sauce pan

Go

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Wash and stem beans.
3. Boil beans on high heat a few short minutes (until partially cooked.)
4. Pour beans in colander to remove water and then shock beans in ice water.
5. Once beans are cool pour through colander to remove ice water.
6. Saute beans with a dab of butter.
7. Add almond slivers, pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon.
8. Serve.

What you should know

Shocking the beans in the ice water helps preserve the brilliant natural colors.