String Beans with Almonds

I've read that this recipe was a favorite of George Washington's... String Beans with Almonds.

String Beans happen to be an older term for green beans... also known as snap beans. (Interesting enough, the word "vegetable" was said to be rarely used during the 1700's. Instead the term "herb" covered all green plants, roots and herbs).

George Washington had considered himself first, as a farmer. For dinners at Mount Vernon, ingredients for these meals would have come from the Lower Garden. The kitchen garden supplied farm-to-table vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Martha Washington's grandson, described George Washington's food preferences as this : "He ate heartily, but was not particular in his diet, with the exception of fish, of which he was excessively fond". You will find this recipe very fresh, and most simple.

You will require the following Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 Pounds of Fresh Green Beans (I chose Fresh, French Green Beans)
• 1 tablespoon of Butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 Cup of sliced Almonds
• 2 Cloves of fresh Garlic, sliced very thin
• 1 teaspoon of mustard (I used Spicy brown mustard)
• 2 Tablespoons of cream sherry (optional. I omitted it, and still tasted wonderful)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Now, on to the directions :

1. Trim the green beans and snap them into 2 inch lengths.
2. Blanch the beans, and set aside.
3. Heat the butter and the olive oil together in a skillet... then gently saute the garlic until it's golden.... but not yet browned.
4. Add the sliced Almonds into the pan, and cook over a low heat until they are heated through.
5. Add the mustard (and cream sherry if you are using it), and stir gently until well blended.
6. Add the green beans, and continue to cook over a moderate heat until it is heated thoroughly.  (You may find yourself wanting to add some more butter and/or olive oil at this point). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Here are some pictures of my String bean journey :

 Fresh String Beans

 Sliced Almonds ready to make their way in the pan

Fresh Garlic cloves, sliced very thin 

Voilà. String Beans with Almonds.