Green beans with pecans

Timaree Hagenburger
The Nutrition Professor
Cosumnes River College, Sacramento

"Although I developed this recipe for Thanksgiving, my family likes it so much that I make it whenever green beans look especially delicious at the farmers market," says dietitian Timaree Hagenburger. You can buy date syrup online or make it easily at home.

Ingredients

1 lb. (or more) green beans, rinsed and trimmed
2 to 3 tbsp. date syrup (see tip)
2 tbsp. pecan pieces, lightly toasted (see tip)
Pepper and/or salt, to taste

Directions

In a steamer or colander sitting over boiling water, steam green beans for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they are bright green and slightly tender (it is easy to overcook them if you walk away from the pan). Toss cooked beans with date syrup and pecans and season with a sprinkle of pepper and/or salt.

The Nutrition Professor's Shop Smart/Prep Smart Tips:

• Timaree's Date Syrup: Combine 5 pitted Medjool dates, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. vanilla in a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth. If you don't have a high-powered blender (Vitamix or Blendtec), it may take a little extra blending time, so be patient and add a little more water if necessary. Also, soaking the dates in the water for several hours to overnight can help soften them and make it easier to get a smooth consistency.

• You could use raw pecans or any other nut you like.

Serves 4