Bacon Smothered Layered Green Beans (Microwave)

Being a mother of six kids, having to cook for 8, and always in a rush, this idea came to me years ago when I didn't have an extra stove burner or oven available to cook my green beans. Thinking of how simple it is to bake a potato in the microwave, I decided to give this a shot and it turned out wonderfully. It's a very simple and delicious recipe using fresh (not frozen or canned) green beans with the tips removed (a little prep time), but I found that my kids were usually more than willing to get involved and help which gave us some quality time together, and taught them a little basic microwave cooking. It's just so simple that an older child can do it all. Note* If an adult were to remove, or prepare the items needing to be cut with a sharp knife (potatoes and onions) in advance, this recipe can easily be made by a small child under little supervision.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup water
• 2  potatoes (red potatoes, washed and cut into medium sized chunks -* potatoes optional)
• 1  lb fresh green beans (washed and tips removed)
• 1  onion (Vidalia, peeled and sliced, onion optional)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 3  tablespoons butter (cut into 6 thin slices, butter optional)
• 1  lb bacon (strips)

Directions

1. In a large glass microwave-safe bowl, add water and layer potato chunks (bottom), green beans (center) and onion slices (top).
2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add thin slices of butter by scattering over the top onion layer.
4. Interlace bacon strips across the top of the butter layer; laying one vertical and the next horizontal (making rows as if you were weaving a basket).
5. Cover with plastic wrap so that it is sealed tightly.
6. Place in microwave and cook on High for about 10 minutes.
7. Let sit in microwave for a few minutes to cool (I usually just allow mine to set while waiting for the rest of the dinner to cook).
8. Remove from microwave. It should still be warm but if not you can microwave another minute or two to warm it up.
9. Remove plastic wrap when ready to serve.