Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:
2 pound(s) green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
6 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
2 cup(s) fresh bread crumbs, made from 5 slices country bread
2 tablespoon(s) butter, melted
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper


Directions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice water, and set aside. Bring a large stockpot with water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender -- about 5 minutes. Immediately transfer beans to the ice water to cool. Strain and blot dry. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook until soft. Remove from heat, toss in the bread crumbs, butter, salt, pepper, and the blanched beans. Transfer to a 6-cup baking dish.

3. Bake until the beans are tender and the bread crumbs are golden -- 18 to 20 minutes. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.