Foodie Friday: Arkansas Green Beans

Today's recipe is one of my most commonly made side dishes. I make this recipe so often that I don't even consider it a recipe. However, finding ways to get The Bibbed Wonder and The Bean to eat more veggies is always my challenge, and this one is deemed delicious by both. This recipe is inspired by my trip to Texas with my dad after I had graduated from college. My dad asked me what I wanted for a graduation gift, and I told him I wanted nothing more than to take a road trip with him to Texas and do all the things he did with his best friend, Jack. To say we had a great time is an understatement. To this day, this is one of my favorite memories with my dad. 

When we were zig-zagging across Texas, we stopped at the most obscure, unique, hole-in-the-wall places you can imagine. From odd little roadside stands to creepy shops that looked like something from The X-Files, to mom and pop greasy spoons, to authentic Mexican cantinas, it was awesome. We saw a sign along the road for a church BBQ fundraiser, and on a whim, we swung in and had the most delicious meal of BBQ chicken, coleslaw, homemade dinner rolls, and the best green beans I had ever tasted. 

Southern hospitality is a real thing, dear reader. This little country church welcomed two total strangers from Pennsylvania into their picnic with open arms. My dad could talk to anyone, and in no time, had a table filled with people just chatting like they were old friends. I complimented the beans, and before I knew it, I had a copy of the recipe in hand with a warm hug and a" Here you go, darlin'!" 

Although this recipe is made for a crowd, I pare it down and measure the ingredients with love...insert a wink. I just wing it. However, I will share the actual recipe with you. They are delightful. I hope you enjoy them. 

 

Arkansas Green Beans

Ingredients:

5 (15 oz.) cans green beans

10–12 slices of cooked bacon

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tsp minced garlic

 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Brown the bacon until crisp, drain, and chop into bite-sized pieces

Add the beans to a 9x13 baking dish

Melt the butter over low heat atop the stove. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Stirring constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved. 

Pour the mixture over the green beans, top with the bacon pieces, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 

Serve immediately. 

This recipe always makes me smile when I remember that epic road trip with my dad, the warm hospitality, and the delicious food cooked with such care. Sitting in the sun with a warm Texas breeze blowing over us, listening to locals with their thick southern drawl, and the feeling of being welcomed by total strangers. It's a good memory.  

On this lovely October Friday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy food that makes you smile, may your recipes create warm memories, and keep washing your hands.