Asian Garlic Green Beans

Well, it's finally September.  Fall is beginning to set in, although the summer weather is still fighting for it's life.  2nd week of school hasn't been too bad, as I've still got the motivation to do my readings before class.  We'll see how that motivation sticks with me in the next couple of weeks!

So yesterday, I went through a milestone in my life.  As some of you know, I play on some recreational sports teams during the week - slow pitch softball on Tuesday and sand volleyball on Wednesdays.  Well, yesterday, at our softball game, we played the #1 Team (Team Wick's Pizza).  They're pretty friggin' good and creamed us last season.  But guess who got her first EVER (even counting when I played fastpitch in high school) home run???  Uh yeah!  This girl right here!  I even had to slide head first into home plate... I've got the bloody knees and elbows to prove it!  Yeah, so needless to say, I was on a super "I'm awesome!" high yesterday.  My knee on the other hand... is killing me and I've still got to play volleyball tonight.  Oh well... I will power through.

Anyway, green beans seem to fresh and plentiful right now so I had to include this recipe for your not so ordinary style of green beans.

Ingredients:

1 lb. green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1 & 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger powder

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.  Add generous amount of salt and add green beans.  Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Drain and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat for about 2 minutes.  You want it to get pretty hot by itself.  Add oil and coat the pan.  Add the green beans and saute for about 2-4 minutes, or until they start to brown.

Make a well in the center of the skillet and add garlic, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes.  Slowly start to incorporate the green beans, until everything is well mixed.

Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Serve fresh and hot as a great side or snack!

I'm not going to lie, these were really good.  I had really fresh green beans and they were perfectly crunchy and soft at the same time.  The flavor was your typical Asian flare, but definitely made the beans the star ingredient!  Enjoy!

Check out our CSA goodies!!!



Arkansas Black Apples (Yeah, black apples!)
Hot Peppers
Sweet Peppers
Acorn Squash
Spaghetti Squash
French Baguette

And just one last cute picture of one of my dog's - Zappa!  He's a trouble maker, but with puppy dog eyes like that... it's hard to get upset with the cute little guy!!