Green Bean Gratin Topped with Pamela’s Amazing Bread Crumbs

Slivers of dried apricot sweeten this fall standard with deliciously subtle effect.

1/2 cup Pamela’s Amazing Toasted Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (optional)
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium onion, peeled and diced
1/2 cup dried apricots, cut into thin strips
3 medium cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound green beans, washed and trimmed

Combine Pamela’s Amazing Toasted Bread Crumbs with pecans and olive oil to create topping. In a heavy sauté pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, then add onion and apricot. Cook until onion is soft and translucent, 3 or 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 or 2 minutes more, until garlic is fragrant.

Steam beans, or blanche in salted boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Add beans to onion and apricot mixture and toss to combine. Turn into buttered 12-inch round or oval casserole dish and top with crumb and nut mixture.

Bake at 350° until well-browned, 30 to 40 minutes.

Yields 6 to 8 servings.

© 2007 Pamela's Products, Inc.