Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Must Try Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

I was excited to make this recipe. I figured it would be good, but I didn't expect it to be mouth-watering-I-want-to-eat-this-forever good. It surely was.



Other than the green beans, there is nothing at all healthy about it, but it makes eating your greens delightful! And it is fun to make.

Here is the recipe which I found from Our Best Bites

Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

1 lb. green beans with the ends snapped off
8 slices lean, regularly sliced bacon
3 Tbsp. real butter
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. white sugar
1 Tbsp. minced red onion
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

If you're using fresh green beans, wash and snap the ends off. When the water is boiling, briefly boil (blanch) the beans for 2-3 minutes or until you start hearing a popping noise and the beans have turned bright green. Quickly drain and rinse in cold water until the beans have cooled.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

On a cookie sheet, divide the green beans evenly into 8 piles. Carefully bundle each pile of beans with one slice of bacon and return to the baking sheet. This step can be done up to a day ahead of time.

When the oven is ready, place the pan in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and sizzling. While the bundles are in the oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. When the butter is bubbly, add in the onions and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are softened and fragrant. Reduce heat to low and add in vinegar, sugar, and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

When ready to serve, place bean bundles on a serving platter and drizzle with sauce. Serve immediately.

If you decide to try it, let me know how you like it. Enjoy!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!



Saturday Rob took me to my FIRST real baseball game. It was a million times better than watching it on TV. We were at the Kansas City Royals v. St. Louis Cardinals game. We were a little worried that the weather wouldn't cooperate, since they were calling for thunderstorms. But we lucked out and it was a clear beautiful day. I can't wait to go to my next game!




Sunday, May 15, 2011

We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Seattle. We went to visit family...



and to attend the wedding of one of my favorite people: Kaela!



We had such a wonderful time. We were able to celebrate Ben's birthday (Rob's brother) as well as Mother's Day with the family.

On the days everyone was working we took advantage of the opportunity to see some of the city.

Here we are at the troll under the Aurora Bridge.


We also went to Pike Place Market and had some yummy seafood.


We explored the Discovery Center downtown where Deborah (Rob's sister) recommended to Rob that we go to the Star War's exhibit before it leaves town. I (naturally wanting to fit in) replied, "Great! I'm a huge Trekkie!" Obviously, I am the worst nerd EVER!




My favorite was the butterfly exhibit, where I even had one land on me (but flew away before we could get a photo op).



It was a wonderful time had by all!