Makes 8 servings Making dishes in advance of your dinner party definitely simplifies hosting. This simple green bean recipe from Whit Trumbull of Durham, North Carolina, is ideal for preparing a day or so ahead and works well as part of a buffet spread. Use a slow cooker as a warmer for buffet service. The low setting keeps green beans, dips, stews, and even hot punch at the right temperature so you don’t have to keep checking on your dish.
4 slices thick bacon, chopped
1 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
2 medium onions, diced
3 medium tomatoes, peeled, chopped (about 2 cups)
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of ground black pepper
Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon crumbles from the pan and drain on paper towels. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
In a medium saucepan combine the beans, onions, tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beans are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the reserved bacon drippings. Season to taste. Serve topped with the crumbled bacon.
Makes 8 servings