by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: September 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 17, 2011

Green bean casserole is a tradition at many a holiday table. Campbell's, of course came up with the recipe that is still used today at most of these, but Cooks Illustrated came up with one that is simply amazing. The Campbell's recipe is a bit easier and less time-consuming, but the adventurous cook will want to try the Cooks Illustrated version which is made with fresh green beans, so I will include both!

Cooks Illustrated Green Bean Casserole

*Beans
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon table salt
1 pound fresh green beans, ends snapped, snapped into bite-size pieces

Bring the water to boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. While it comes to a boil, prep the beans. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the salt and beans to the boiling water. Cover and cook for 6 minutes or until crisp-tender and still bright green. Drain beans in a colander, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain a bit in the colander again. Place a double layer of paper towels on a baking sheet, arrange beans in single layer to dry, top with a double layer of towels.

*Mushrooms and sauce
8 ounces button mushrooms
1 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup chicken stock
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste

Clean the mushrooms; break off and discard the stems. Break the mushroom tops into pieces. Melt the butter in a skillet til shimmery. Add the mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper. Stirring often, cook til mushrooms begin to soften and exude their liquid, about 6 minutes. Stir in flour and cook a minute. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the cream, simmer til sauce thickens, about 10 - 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Stir in the cooked beans til they're evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

*Topping
1 slice good whole grain bread
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 a 2.8 ounce can of French fried onions
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1/16 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In the food processor, process the bread, butter and seasonings in about 10 quick pulses. Stir in the onions - but don't process.
Preheat oven to 425F. Transfer bean mixture to a greased quiche pan or baking dish. Top beans with topping and bake for 15 minutes.

Campbell's Green Bean casserole

*Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. soy sauce
Dash ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cut green beans (canned work fine)
1 1/3 cups french fried onions

*Instructions
Mix soup, milk, soy, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in 1 1/2-qt. casserole dish.
Bake at 350F. for 25 min. or until hot.
Stir . Sprinkle with remaining onions. Bake 5 min.
Serve and enjoy!

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