Savory, smoky and sweet bundles of green bean goodness.

(makes 8 servings)

Ingredients

8 strips smoked bacon

¾ lb. (12oz) fresh green beans, ends trimmed or snapped

Salt, to taste

Ice and water in a large bowl for ice bath

½ cup dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons pineapple juice or orange juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 C)

Place bacon on parchment-lined sheet pan and cook in preheated oven until partially cooked and pliable, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt to taste.  Blanch green beans for 3 to 4 minutes.

Immediately transfer blanched green beans into the ice bath to stop the cooking.  Let cool, then pat dry with paper towels.

Take a small handful of green beans (1 portion) and wrap with 1 strip of bacon.  Repeat with remaining green beans and bacon.

Place green bean bundles on a parchment-lined sheet pan and cook in the center of preheated oven until the bacon goes crispy, about 12 to 15 minutes.

While green beans cook, add dark brown sugar and pineapple or orange juice to a small saucepan set over medium-low heat.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and forms a glaze.

Remove green bean bundles from oven.  Using a pastry brush or a spoon, brush or drizzle each serving with the brown sugar glaze.