Green Beans With Mushrooms

If I ever had to decide on a "last meal", it would surely include an array of tasty appetizers. Some people crave chocolate, some people crave candy and others (like me) crave savory treats. That said, I (unfortunately) was not blessed with a speedy metabolism and have to eat balanced meals eighty percent of the time. While steamed vegetables are good and good for you, sometimes they just need a little extra, you know?

I am a huge fan of both garlic and lemon and use both to rev up my meals. I was served a green bean and mushroom side dish at a large family get together and came home to see what I could do in my own kitchen. This is what I came up with.

Ingredients:
I package of Green Giant Fresh Green Beans (canned would probably work too, but I haven't tried it)
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic cloves, minced (I have been buying minced garlic in the jar - I use a lot of garlic when I cook and this is so much easier)
4 teaspoons butter or margarine
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions:
Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until tender but still crisp.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and garlic in butter and lemon juice until tender. If they aren't quite done yet when the liquid is drying up you can add a bit of water or extra lemon juice, depending on how much lemon flavour you like.

Drain beans; add to skillet. Stir in the salt, onion powder and pepper; heat through.

Enjoy!