Green Beans with Hot Black Walnut Vinaigrette

Makes 6 servings
Prep Time: 30 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 – pounds white half-runners, fall greenies, or any fresh green beans
• 8 – strips (1/2-pound) bacon
• 1/4 – vinegar
• 3 – Tablespoons water
• 2 – teaspoons sugar
• 1 – teaspoon salt
• 1/2 - teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 - cup black walnut pieces

Directions:

1. Wash, break, and string the green beans. Remove the tips and ends.
2. In a steaming pot, steam the green beans or 8 to 12 minutes or until tender.
3. While you are steaming green beans, fry the bacon in a large frying pan.
4. Lift the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
5. To the bacon drippings in the frying pan, add the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and stir.
6. Crumble the bacon and mince or grate half the nuts.
7. Add half of the bacon and half of the nuts to the dressing.
8. Add the green beans to the pan.
9. Bring to a boil and stir.
10. Pour into a serving bowl and toss.
11. Garnish with the reserved bacon and nuts.