So we didn't win the lottery...bummer...the bald eagle who stopped by on July 4th turned out to just be a big bird who flew into our cul-de-sac to dine on a squirrel from our yard and not a sign/omen/signal from on high that we were destined to be filthy rich. Hate that! So real life goes on...and at a breakneck pace - in the last week I did the following... made two trips to girls camp (after having sewed a banner and a flag for camp), instructed girls on how to pull pranks at camp and not get caught then took them shopping for "supplies", gave quilting lessons to a young friend, hosted a luncheon, baked 5 dozen cookies for a scout trip, made food for two pot-lucks, taught a lesson in church, burned two loaves of bread, babysat 3 small boys for 7 1/2 hours which included a fairy hunt (no success with catching a fairy but very successful in brainwashing), worked for the mister (not a picnic I promise, he either fires me or I quit, and there's no signing bonus either!) and did all the usual stuff around the manse...yard work, housework and wedding flowers! (I put all that in here for me, so when I'm bouncing around the padded cell that's in my future, I can look back on posts like this and realize WHY!)
Three large arrangements, one small, one bridal bouquet, 4 boutonnieres...and all of this for a RE-newing of vows!!! And that fascinated me....this couple, who I don't know, has been married for TEN years and the husband decided to SURPRISE his wife on their tenth anniversary with them renewing their vows - got the minister, flew in the fam from Singapore, ordered the food and flowers and his wife/bride, wore her wedding dress from ten years ago...a short maroon number that she could STILL fit in...Who does that?!?!? And who would remarry their husband?!?!? Oh I suppose many of you would...and given enough drugs I just might remarry the mister, but today, being sober and of reasonably sound mind, I would not...he's in the dog house, where he is quite comfortable as he's spent so much time there recently. I'm just saying, in case he asks, the answer will be NO! Not until he i$ $ufficiently $orry.
Years ago I had these beans at a wedding reception and they were unlike anything I had ever had before - crisp tender, sprinkled with sesame seeds, tossed with toasted cashews and covered in a light coating of oil...and then there was the garlic. I've had garlic green beans in Chinese restaurants but they have always been served hot...and these are similar except they are not limp and the color has not been cooked out of them. These are one of our very favorite summer-time sides...they are perfect on a hot summer eve and they are great to snack on!
Garlic Green Beans - Adapted from Michael Barnes
(When I asked the mom (Barbara Knudson) of the bride (Kylee) about the beans she emailed her friend who made them and he sent me the recipe and said, "Nothing makes someone who enjoys cooking feel better than when we are asked for a recipe." Amen. And thanks Barbara and Kylee and Michael!)
1 lb. green beans
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 cup cashews, whole or pieces, toasted
Clean and cut ends from green beans. You can leave whole or cut in half. In a large pan, with a steamer basket, steam beans for 3 to 5 minutes, or just until crisp tender. Remove and immediately plunge into cold water to stop cooking, then drain well.
In a large skillet, toast cashews and sesame seeds, over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large Zip-lock style bag, combine, oils, vinegar and soy sauce. Add green beans, cashews and sesame seeds. Seal bag and turn several times to coat. Allow to marinate in refrigerator for at least one hour - but overnight is best and these are always better the next day, if you have any left! Pour entire contents into serving bowl to serve. Serves 10.
