Green Beans with Walnuts and Bleu Cheese

Here is a tasty, tangy, and well-balanced side-dish that's perfect for everything from a potluck gathering to a romantic dinner for two. The toasty walnuts and pungent bleu cheese compliment the sweet beans just perfectly for a lovely trio of flavors.

Beans with Walnuts and Bleu Cheese

3 big handfuls of green beans (or purple pole beans, like we used here!)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ounce of good bleu cheese, crumbled

Rinse the beans well and place them in a large saucepan. Cover with water, and bring to a simmer, cooking for approximately 7-8 minutes, until the beans are tender.

Meanwhile, add the walnuts to a dry skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the nuts just begin to brown, and are nice and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

When the beans are done, drain them well and place them in a bowl. Toss them with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the toasted walnuts and the bleu cheese crumbles. Serve immediately.