Michael McLaughlin, cookbook author, says, “Green beans amandine used to be the festive vegetable of choice at any number of my family’s holiday celebrations. Over the years, a few of us have improvised here and there, resulting in this easy side dish, a real family heirloom. For a change of pace, orange peel can replace the lemon.”

Makes 8 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2pounds green beans, trimmed, halved crosswise
  • 5tablespoons butter
  • 3/4cup chopped pecans
  • 4teaspoons minced lemon peel (yellow part only)
  • 1/3cup finely chopped fresh italian parsley

    DIRECTIONS

    Cook beans in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain. Transfer to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain and pat dry. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
    Melt butter in large deep skillet over medium heat. Add pecans; sauté until nuts are crisp and butter is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add beans; toss to heat through, about 5 minutes. Mix in lemon peel; cook 1 minute. Mix in parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl.