SWEET AND SPICY ALMOND GREEN BEANS

1 lb fresh green beans, cut into lengthwise strips and unseeded 1/2 cup sliced almonds 1-1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil 3 tbs butter 1 clove garlic, chopped finely 2 tbs firmly packed light brown sugar 2 tsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp szechuan pepper flakes 1/4 tsp salt

Combine garlic, brown sugar, lemon juice, szechuan pepper flakes and salt in a small mixing bowl and set aside.

Plunge green beans into salted boiling water. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water.

In a large skillet, saute almonds in olive oil over medium heat. Add butter to pan and add green beans. Stir to coat and heat. Stir in sweet-spicy mixture. Cook, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and beans are glazed, about 30 seconds. Serves 6.

Adapted from Modern Publishing's
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