Kentucky - The Bluegrass State, State flower: Goldenrod

1. Bibb Lettuce with Maple Salad Dressing
2. Kentucky Ham Croquettes
3. Bechamel Sauce
4. Green Beans - Kentucky Wonder Style
5. Lacy Corn Cakes
6. Bourbon Pecan Pie

Green Beans - Kentucky Wonder Style - Serves 6

1 lb fresh Kentucky Wonder beans
8 Tbsp butter or margarine
¼ cup bread crumbs
2 Tbsp water
Salt and pepper to taste

The secret to this dish is the preparation of the beans before cooking.

Wash the beans thoroughly and string them on both sides using a potato peeler or a like instrument. Cut them in diagonal pieces 1 to 1-½" long.

Parboil them for 10 minutes in a quart of water to which you will have added 2 tsp salt. Drain. (I prefer to steam them until bright green.)

Heat 4 Tbsp butter in a sauté pan or skillet and when it is bubbling add the beans. Stir well to coat them with the butter. Season beans to taste. Add 2 Tbsp water, cover and simmer very slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.

While the beans are simmering melt the remaining 4 Tbsp butter in another skillet. Add the bread crumbs. Stir well to be sure the crumbs are well coated and crisped. When they are a golden brown, remove to paper towels.

Top each individual serving of beans with a sprinkling of toasted bread crumbs.

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