Although green vegetables cooked crisp-tender is au courant, nothing can beat these old-fashioned, slowly simmered green beans. Try them with your next baked ham dinner; add scalloped potatoes, a gelatin salad and soft dinner rolls to the menu.

Southern-Style Green Beans

3 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2/3 cup water
3 dashes hot pepper sauce
1 (16-ounce) package frozen cut green beans

1. In small skillet cook bacon until crisp. Remove; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet.
2. Add onion, celery and garlic to skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until tender but not browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add water to skillet, bring to boil. Stir in green beans, bacon and hot pepper sauce. Reduce heat, simmer 20 to 25 minutes or to desired doneness.

Serves 4.

Recipe provided courtesy of Pork, The Other White Meat.