The addition of a few simple ingredients: lemon, Parmesan, olive oil & spices; allows these fresh green beans to shine through. Ready in under 15 minutes, this will be the green bean recipe you go back to, over and over again.
The Ghost of Christmas Past
What would a December blog be without mentioning Charles Dickens’s famous work: “A Christmas Carol?” Whether it be Mickey’s, The Muppets, George C. Scott, or even Bill Murray’s “Scrooged,” (one of my favorites), there are countless adaptations of this popular story. All produced to teach us the true meaning of Christmas through Ebenezer Scrooge and The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
If you’ve read my prior blog posts for December, you already know a lot about my past Christmases. The festively decorated dinner tables, the literal sacks of gifts from Santa, the family gatherings, the traditions, the songs, and of course, the food. I have so many warm memories of being a kid at Christmastime, filled with the magic and wonder of the season. Being an adult, however, is sometimes not quite as magical.
Bah, Humbug!
Okay, real talk for a second: As a grownup (or at least pretending to be), sometimes the holidays aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Right? I mean, it just feels like it’s extra work, more money spent, more gifts and groceries purchased.
I typically try to keep things light and happy in this blog. But until I finally contact Better Help (as all of my true crime podcasts constantly advertise), I find this to be a safe space to vent. After all, I have no doubt that some of you share some of my present, albeit fleeting, Scrooge tendencies. The stress, the planning, the traveling, the what-to-get-people? On top of all of the day-to-day things we responsible grownups have to do. Let’s be honest, it’s a lot; and with the social media-ridden world we find ourselves in, it often puts undue pressure on all of us. It’s hard to not feel a bit “Bah, humbug!” at times. But it’s those times when I have to constantly remind myself of the best part of any holiday season: being with those you love.
The Ghost of Christmas Present
As stated in my previous blog posts for December, my mom, sisters and I have an Appetizer Night each year for our Christmas Eve celebration. We talk about the good old days, we laugh. We drink and eat. We cook, we dance in the kitchen. We sing the songs that remind us of the good times; we sing the songs that remind us of the better times…
“Oh, Danny boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy… I get knocked down! But I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down…”
Tubthumping, By Chumbawamba
There may be fewer of us gathered nowadays, however, the feelings of Christmas joy and cheer are still there. Just being together, being present, that’s the most important thing.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Although there are times when I long for the simpler days of Christmases past: When I was just a blonde-haired little girl, waiting to hear the sleigh bells ring while a bearded, chubby guy in a red suit leaves presents for me under a decorated pine tree; I look forward to the Christmases yet to come; as well as the rest of the days in the coming years. After all, there are still many gatherings with loved ones to be had, laughs to be laughed, songs to be sung, delicious food to eat, and glasses of wine to be drank. Cheers to you all! And, Merry Christmas, Everyone!
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens
I will live in the Past, Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.”
Ingredients for Lemon Parmesan Green Beans:
- 2 c. fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
- 1/4 c. white/yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- 1 Tbsp. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1-2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions for Lemon Parmesan Green Beans:
- Cover the base of a large nonstick pot with water. Place a steamer basket on top of the water and heat over high heat. Note: If you do not have a steamer basket, then you can simply steam the green beans in the water at the base of the pot. Bring water to a boil.
- Once the water begins to boil, add the green beans to the steamer basket or pot and cover. Continue to steam green beans over high heat for 4-5 minutes, until beans begin to soften and turn bright green. Remove from heat.
- If cooking in a steamer basket, remove the basket from the pot and dump out any water that remains. Either way, strain the green beans and set aside.
- Return pot to stove and add EVOO. Heat the oil over medium heat for 1 minute; add the diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Return green beans to the pot, sprinkle with lemon juice, and stir.
- Lastly, season the beans with salt, sugar, and pepper and toss, ensuring green beans are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately.
Get More Sauced
These sensationally simplistic green beans pair perfectly with any dish, especially Beef Wellington. I have included the direct link to my Beef Wellington post on Sauced below.
