Green Bean Bundles

New Year's Eve dinner is some steak and potatoes.  Because it's better to go out with a bang.  Especially if dieting is looming on the horizon.  But like a good girl, I was raised to eat my greens, even if I'm being completely unhealthy otherwise.  So we also had green beans, wrapped in bacon, and smothered in brown sugar.  Because bacon.  Hey, why not take these green beans out with a bang, too?

Green Bean Bundles

1½ pounds fresh green beans, tops trimmed
5 slices bacon, each cut into 3 pieces
3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided use
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon water
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon real maple syrup (optional)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Place green beans in a large pot, fill with water to just above the level of the green beans, and bring to a boil.  Cook at medium-high heat for about 12 minutes, or until soft.  Drain and set green beans aside.

Once green beans have cooled enough to touch, make bundles of 6-8 beans and wrap each with a piece of bacon.  Secure the bacon with a toothpick, if desired.  Place bundles on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce with the Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl and drizzle over the green bean bundles.  Sprinkle with the water.  Bake for 20 minutes, turning once.  

While the green beans are baking, combine the brown sugar, the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, the maple syrup (if using), and the garlic powder.  The mixture should form a wet sand.  When the 20 minutes is up, remove the green beans from the oven, and spread with the brown sugar mixture.  Cook the green beans for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and the brown sugar has caramelized.

Makes 15 bundles