So, it seems like an eternity since I have been able to enjoy some of my favorite foods.  After a two-week bout of serious salmonella food poisoning, I thought I was about to literally turn into a Wendy’s plain baked potato! It became my food of choice and seemed to be about the only un-offending morsel I could even consider eating.  I couldn’t see food, smell food, or even think about preparing food.  My poor Hubby was banished to another room if he was eating.  But now that I am feeling better, I am so excited to start cooking again!

Yesterday was my first, and very successful, trip to the supermarket since fall has arrived and I enjoyed every minute of it.  From the carving pumpkins out in front of the store to the gorgeous selection of newly harvested apples in the produce section, I knew I would be able to find some great ingredients to make some delicious autumn-inspired treats.  One of my favorite flavors of fall is the combination of apples and cinnamon, and I found a very creative and delicious way to use them…I give you, sweet and savory green beans.  This idea was inspired from an recipe I came across that steamed green beans in apple cider, but I wanted to take it one step further, while keeping it healthy, and really enjoyed the results of this simple side dish.

Sweet and Savory Green beans

Ingredients:

Fresh green beans (about 4 handfuls, cleaned)

Lite apple juice (Mott’s makes a great tasting lite version, 1 cup)

One sweet spanish onion (medium sized, sliced)

cinnamon (about 1/2 tablespoon)

Red delicious apple ( large, cored and diced, with skin on)

Garlic (one clove, diced)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (enough to coat  pan)

Salt

Pepper

Preparation:

In a large pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat, seasoning the pan with a bit of salt and pepper.  When the oil is hot, add the green beans, garlic and onions.  Allow these ingredients to soften a bit, mixing them in the pan so that they are evenly coated with the oil.  Then, add the apple pieces, apple juice and cinnamon, mix and cover for about 10 minutes on medium heat, allowing the apple flavors to simmer with the beans.  The apples will soften a bit and then it’s ready to serve.  Season to your liking with a bit of salt and/or pepper.

This healthy side dish is quick, easy and a great addition to your favorite fall meals…enjoy!