Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds French string beans (haricots verts), both ends removed
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 to 3 garlic cloves, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Blanch the string beans in a large pot of boiling salted water for just 1 1/2 minutes. Drain immediately and immerse in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. When they are cool, drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil and butter in a very large saute pan over medium heat and cook the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned. Add the string beans, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss together. Reheat the string beans and serve.

Note: Clipping the beans is the worst part - other wise this could not be easier. Don't skip the blanching part. It keeps the beans a pretty green color.