Green Bean Bundles

• fresh green beans (Enough to bundle into 10 packets of 6-8 beans each, depending on size).
• 5 slices bacon (center cut 30% leaner bacon is what I used but any bacon will do)
• 10 toothpicks
• 3 tablespoons butter ( the real stuff ) melted
• 3 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bring pot of water to boil. In the mean time wash and snap ends from fresh Green Beans. When water comes to boil add beans blanching for 3 minutes.

Prepare bowl of iced water.

After 3 minutes drain boiling water from pan and immediately toss the beans into iced water to stop cooking. They'll be a beautiful bright green color.

After a minute or two, remove beans from the water and place on towel. Pat the beans with the towel until dry.

Cut five pieces of bacon in half. Wrap each piece of bacon around a bundle of 6 -8 green beans securing bacon with a toothpick. Set each bundle in a shallow casserole dish.

At this point they can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight.

If you choose to bake immediately, preheat oven to 375º F.

While oven is preheating whisk melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper together. Brush sauce over each bundle of beans until each bundle is coated and sauce is gone.

Bake for 45 minutes or until bacon is done. (Thick sliced bacon will take more time.). Serve immediately.