Fresh (Not CANNED!) Green Bean Casserole

This will be my big splurge.  But I'm entitled to one right?  I was able to cut out a heck-of-alot of fat but lets face it...it still is dripping with real-cream goodness.  So enjoy your small portion size!  :)

ADAPTATION OF PIONEER WOMAN RECIPE.  To view original, click here.

Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Prep Time: 20 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 30 Minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Servings: 8

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds Fresh Green Beans, Ends Cut Off (or use organic Frozen Green Beans)
• 4 slices Turkey Bacon, Cut Into 1/4 Inch Pieces (I LOVE Trader Joes UNCURED turkey bacon.  It contains no nitrates or nitrites and is delicious!)
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1/2 whole Large Onion, Chopped
• 4 Tablespoons Butter and/or coconut oil.  (I used 2 tbsp of each)
• 4 Tablespoons Whole Grain Flour of your choice.  (if using a gluten free mix be sure and add some xanthan gum to the recipe)
• 2-1/2 cups milk or alternative milk
• 1/2 cup Half-and-half, organic heavy whipping cream, or coconut cream.  (Trader Joe's carries cans of coconut cream...it's wonderful and you can use it in place of anything calling for cream.  It is also awesome to make homemade whipped cream!)
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 jar (4 Ounce) Sliced Pimentoes, Drained
• Extra Milk For Thinning If Necessary
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (I made my own by putting my gluten free sliced bread through the food processor and then baking at 300 for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and dried out)

**FYI:  once assembled YOU CAN FREEZE THIS.  Thaw the night before in the frig and bake as directed day of.

Preparation Instructions

Cut green beans in half if you like pieces to be a little smaller.

Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow green beans to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain beans once they're cool and set aside.

Add bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon for two minutes, then add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bacon is done (but not crisp) and onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or two, then pour in milk and half and half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne then add the grated cheddar. Stir while cheese melts. Turn off heat.

Add pimentos to pan, then add bacon/onion mixture. Stir to combine. Pour over green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and panko crumbs are golden.