Southern Green Beans

Growing up in North Carolina, we've had our fair share of foods cooked with bacon...Who am I kidding...living in Philly I STILL have my fair share of things cooked with bacon or bacon drippings! I go so far as to save that heavenly goodness in a mason jar. Yep! I kid you not! It adds a depth of flavor to my dumplins and soups that is hard to replace. Sure, you can do without, find a substitute, and still have a good recipe, but why not have a great one?? It's not like you're gonna eat the entire batch of whatever-it-is single-handedly in one sitting. Well, this recipe is one of those things that bacon just 'makes' the dish. It's kinda like a good outfit. Sure, you may look great in the cute dress you just bought...BUT when you add the accessories..the jewelry and some cute shoes...they make the outfit great! Now, don't get me wrong...I love some fresh green beans with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder...but once in awhile it's okay to indulge in something a little more...divine....lol...okay...I'm getting a little corny here....So anyway, my mom has been making these green beans for years and for me, there's nothin like them! Definitely a Thanksgiving staple in our house! I hope y'all enjoy these as much as I do!

Ingredients

3 strips of bacon

2 lbs. of green beans, trimmed and washed

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 onion diced

1 clove garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the bacon and fry until it is cooked crisp.

Next, add the diced onions and saute until translucent.

Add green beans and 1 clove of minced garlic and stir together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add 1 cup water then turn heat down to low and cover with a lid. Cook on low until tender, about 30 minutes unless you prefer al dente, then cook for only 15 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

 

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Quick Chicken Broccoli and Rice



I don't know about you, but my life is one crazy whirlwind! Between dropping the kids at school, getting to work, gymnastics practice, mid-week church groups, birthday parties picking the kids UP from school and the day-to-day chores sometimes I just need a quick meal to feed my busy family. Fast-food is often our go-to meal when we have no time (or energy for that matter). However, we're not big fans of the greasy who-knows-what-it's-even-made-with-food so when I find something we can make that is quick and somewhat healthy...it's definitely a plus in my book! So, I decided to try out the new Minute® Ready to Serve Rice and what I came up with was Quick Chicken, Broccoli and Rice and I was a very happy mom. PLUS it only took 20 minutes start to finish, and that included PREP time! The recipe contains simple ingredients and with the 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup...it's even on the healthy side! Also, you can't beat it if the kids actually eat a meal I make for the first time. Quick, simple AND healthy! Score!

 

 

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 lb. chicken breasts (or tenders) cut up into one inch pieces

2 cups frozen broccoli

1 can cream of chicken soup (98% fat-free)

1 can water (use the empty soup can)

2 packages of Minute® Ready to Serve White Rice (4 individual servings)

salt and pepper, to taste

garlic powder, to taste

paprika, to taste

dash of cayenne (optional)

 

 

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne pepper.

 

2. In a preheated skillet, drizzle olive oil  and add the seasoned chicken. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until nearly cooked through.

 

3. Add the can of cream of chicken soup. Fill the can with water and stir the water in the pan. Check seasoning and add more if needed.

 

4. Next, add the frozen broccoli and stir to combine.

 

5. Add the Minute® Ready to Serve White Rice and stir to combine.

 

6. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for ten minutes.

 

Serve it hot! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Minute® Ready to Serve Rice is an ideal portable solution for lunch or breakfast because you can eat it on the go, straight from the cup. In just 60 seconds, you have fully cooked rice for any meal or snack. You’ll never get bored with your lunch since there are 10 flavorful and wholesome varieties. If you’re looking for a healthy option, Minute® Ready to Serve Rice provides easy portion control since it’s conveniently packaged in two individual single-serve cups.
Visit http://www.minuterice.com/ for recipes, including Minute® Ready to Serve Stir it Up recipe ideas and more information about the Minute® Rice family of products.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Minute® Ready to Serve Rice.

To Print the RECIPE ONLY Click HERE

What My Momma Did...

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo with a 5-Minute Friday prompt...here's the task:

In just five minutes. Tell me all about what your mama did that made her yours….{and don’t forget to spend some time commenting on the post of the person who linked up just before you}

Wow. Well, my Momma showed me what is was to be a lady and to love her husband. I never saw her anything less than graceful no matter the circumstances. (Well, other than the 3 cigarettes she smoked during my teen years when my sister and I pushed her to her limit... :/ lol...we knew we were in for it then since she wasn't a smoker!)  We didn't have a lot growing up but she always tried to look her best and take care of herself and she rarely swore unless it was under her breath and never in front of other people. She carried herself with grace and femininity but was strong and independent. She made my dad feel needed but she knew she could take care of herself. She put my dad first and always showed her undying love for him (which he reciprocated, probably a bi-product of her love:)) She served him meals first instead of last and never disrespected him in front of others, even if she disagreed which I'd never knew. She kissed him publicly (which still grosses me out..lol and holds his hands even to this day) She carried herself with poise and treated others and herself with dignity. I wish I had been a better daughter when I was a teenager...I guess we all go through that sassy, bratty stage. I just pray that I can be as graceful as she is and my daughters don't take after me in that respect....I think I'm like her in many ways, though I take after my dad in a lot of ways too. But if I could inherit her grace and ability to act like a lady...then I think I've learned a lot, especially in today's society. Though I am speaking in the past tense because the question was asked that way, she still does these things today! Love you mom! You're one classy lady!