Things November: Nov. 4, 2010

I simply couldn’t find any interesting facts regarding this day in November, so I leave you with a poem and a recipe today. I hope you enjoy both!

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November

by Elizabeth Coatsworth

November comes
And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.

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If you are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving foods, there are plenty of recipes out there. Thanksgiving does not have to be heavy-laden with fatty foods to be enjoyable.

Here is a really simple recipe for green beans that my family loves (my kids actually taught me how to make these). These are a wonderful, tasty replacement for the beloved green bean casserole many of us grew up with.

Sauteed Green Beans
1 ½ pounds fresh green beans
1 large red bell pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 pat of butter (about 1/4" thick slice)
1 large lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & course ground pepper to taste

Snap ends only of the green beans off and wash (you want to leave the beans long). Slice the red bell pepper into long slices about ¼ inch wide.

In a large skillet heat the olive oil and butter, and then add the green beans and red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the seasonings and saute until the vegetables are tender-crisp (usually no more than about 5 minutes).

When vegetables are finished cooking, turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of one lemon over them. Lightly toss, and place in a serving dish.


Enjoy!