PERFECTLY LEMON GREEN BEANS

PERFECTLY LEMON GREEN BEANS
Yum!  Would be good with asparagas too.

2 1/2# fresh green beans, trimmed
4 TBLS butter
6 TBLS slivered almonds
2 TBLS lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Cook green beans in boiling salted water 5 – 7 minutes or until crisp-tender. Plunge beans in ice water to stop the cooking process; set aside. Melt the butter in the same saucepan; stir in the almonds. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, or until the almonds are very light brown. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drain the now-cooled green beans thoroughly, shaking off any excess water. Put the beans in a microwave-proof casserole or serving dish, pour the lemon butter mixture over them and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until just before it is time to serve the meal. Reheat the beans by microwaving them on high for 4 – 6 minutes, or until they are heated through and thoroughly cooked. Toss the green beans with the lemon butter again to distribute it evenly over the beans before serving.