Sweet, Spicy, Easy Green Beans

1. 1

   Take your green beans out of the freezer when you're ready to start cooking if you chose to use frozen green beans. This will allow them to thaw slightly. If you're using fresh green beans, wash them and let them sit in a bowl with a tiny bit of water in them. Make sure they're not dried completely. If you haven't already cut up your ham, do so now. Fresh ham is probably more proper but I used the Applegate Farms Organic Black Forest Ham you can buy at the market sliced up. I took two slices and cut them into small squares.

2. 2

   Throw your butter in a frying pan over a medium heat (the whole recipe should be cooked over a medium heat). Add the minced garlic to the butter once it starts melting down. Add you ham and stir it around for 1-2 minutes letting it brown slightly. It will pick up some of the garlic butter flavor.

3. 3

   Toss in your two handfuls of green beans so they infuse in the garlic, butter, and ham. The water should begin to cook down immediately. If the beans are frozen, stir them around for at least 2-3 minutes before adding other ingredients to allow them to thaw out completely. You'll notice their color will quickly become a brighter green. If not frozen, be sure to let everything infuse for a few moments.

4. 4

   Add your brown sugar. I usually just reach my hand into the bag and sprinkle out enough so that it sparingly covers the green beans. Continue mixing. The sugar won't caramelize but it will give the beans a nice sweet flavor. I add my dash of salt and pepper now.

5. 5

   Add the white wine. I also never measure the amount because I usually just put my thumb over the lid of the bottle and tip what would most likely be 1-2 tablespoons. It shouldn't cover the bottom of the pan but it adds the last bit of liquid needed to make the green beans juicy.

6. 6

   Finally stir everything for a few moments (about a minute or so) and top with red chili flakes. I like spicy green beans so I go for a tablespoon but if you prefer medium spicy go for just a pinch or two. And Serve!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.