Not your momma's green bean casserole.

Ok, so my mom never made green bean casserole, for which I was very thankful! But I am such a fan of these green beans, they are fresher tasting and so delicious! This is one of the recipes where you can just toss together the ingredients without too strict of measuring.

Garlicky green beans with bacon and mushrooms

1 package of fresh french green beans (I find mine at Costco)
1 lb bacon--diced (or if you are in a hurry those Hormel bacon pieces can just be tossed in)
10-20 mushrooms
2-3 cloves of garlic -- minced
2 shallots -- minced
1/4 C butter
salt
pepper
lemon juice

To start, blanch you beans. This will help your beans stay nice and bright green in color and not too mushy. To do this, bring a large pot of water to boil, and have a large bowl filled with water and ice. Put beans in boiling water for a few minutes, just until barely tender and still bright green in color. Remove immediately and place in ice cold water so that they stop cooking. Let sit for a few minutes, until completely cooled. Remove and set aside. Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces (if you put your bacon in the freezer for a half and hour or so before cutting it is much easier). In a large saute pan, cook up bacon. Remove from pan and place on papertowels. Pour off excess grease from pan. Add butter and over med heat saute mushrooms, sahllots, and garlic. Add bacon back in, and beans. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for just a few minutes until beans are tender and warmed through, don't over cook. Add just a splash of lemon juice. Serve and enjoy.