My Fav Veggie Side: French String Beans with Bacon

         All side dishes are made better with bacon, and my vegetables are no exception. As a kid I hated green beans, frozen, canned, fresh or steamed. Bleh. As an adult, I've tried to embrace vegetables and make healthy eating taste amazing! Here is my favorite vegetable side that's impossibly easy, healthy, and SO TASTY. If I had these as a kid, I would have changed my mind about green beans sooner!

 

Costco sells a 2-pk of fresh french string beans, and a large bag of real bacon bits. Easy, easy.

French String Beans with Bacon 

1 - 1.5 lbs fresh french string beans, washed

2 tsp. tub margarine (Smart Balance is my taste preference)

Garlic salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbsp real bacon crumbles (more, if you really love bacon!)

(Possible additions: Almond slivers, blue cheese crumbles, toasted bread crumbs)

 Bring a small amount of water to a boil in a saucepan with a steamer insert. Place string beans in steamer basket and cover, steaming for 7-8 minutes. 

When beans are tender/crisp, place in a bowl and toss with remaining ingredients. Delicious and healthy!