Cooking with Lard...Old Fashioned Green Beans

Here’s a real old-timey recipe for those fresh green beans.   I admit  we don’t like our beans cooked as long as the original recipe, which called for 50-60 minutes.  I also added some onion, just because I like it!    But simple is often the best, and this recipe is simple and good.    Its from the "Grit Lard Cookbook"           

  Old Fashioned Green Beans

  1         tablespoon  lard

  12       slices  bacon -- cut in 1/2" pieces

     ¼      cup  dark brown sugar -- packed

  1 ½      cups  water

  2          pounds  fresh green beans -- cut in 2" pieces

     ½      cup  onion -- diced (optional)

In a large skillet, melt the lard over medium heat.  Add the bacon and fry, stirring frequently, 5-7 minutes until browned.

Add the sugar and water; stir and mix well.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Add the beans and onions and reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the beans are soft and all the liquid has been absorbed.  (Original recipe calls for cooking 50-60 minutes.)

Serves 8