The classic flavor combination of green beans and bacon is given a spicy kick of flavor with a simple homemade Cajun-style spice mix.

Spicy Bacon Green Beans

Spice Mix:
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Green Beans:

2 tablespoons salt
1/2 pound bacon, diced
2 1/2 pounds green beans, ends snipped off

1. For Spice Mix: Combine all of the spices together to make the spice mix.
2. For Green Beans: Bring one gallon of water to a boil and add salt.
3. Over medium heat cook the diced bacon until it is almost to the crunchy stage. Add the green beans to the pot of boiling water and cook for approximately 5 minutes. You want the green beans to be just undercooked.
4. Remove the beans from the water and add them to the bacon and sauté for one minute. Season to taste using the spice mix and serve. (If you don't use all of the spice mix, you can seal it in an airtight container and store for a few months.)

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Honeysuckle White, a division of Cargill, Incorporated. Used with permission.