Haricot Verts with Red Peppers wrapped in Bacon

The vegetables are steamed in this recipe until crisp tender then immediately added to an ice bath. This will preserve the rich green color of the bean. Otherwise they will become greenish gray.

This step is really important for presentation. Remember you eat first with your eyes. LOOK how beautiful! Ahh.

A sesame oil drizzle adds the final touch and burst of flavor.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

½ cup water
1 pound young tender green beans, washed and strings removed
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into long slices ½ inch thick
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions:

In a steamer add the water. Add the beans and red peppers and steam about 3 minutes being careful not to overcook. Remove and place immediately into ice water.

In a large skillet cook the bacon until done but NOT crisp. Drain on paper towel and cool. Cut bacon in half.

Wrap about 5-7 beans and 3 slices of peppers with a piece of bacon. Place in serving dish with seam down.

Mix together the sesame oil and seeds. Drizzle the sesame oil and seeds over beans and season with salt and pepper.

Heat in preheated 350 degree F oven long enough to heat beans about 3-5 minutes.