Friday, June 15, 2007

G is for Green Bean Twisters

 

Green bean twists are based on something I created for asparagus spears. I cooked the beans in boiling water for just three minutes, drained them and let them cool down. I thought if I could present the bean attractively, creating a bit of a diversion, the bean-hater might be bamboozled. The beans were divided into groups of four. I cut thin strips of puff pastry and wrapped them round the bean in a spiral. I brushed them with egg and sprinkled grated parmesan on top and placed them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 180C until the pastry was golden brown. Alexandra named them Green Bean Twisters. She already understands the importance of a catchy name for Freddie's vegetables. And it worked. Despite his distrust of beans, he liked the look of this dish. He even ate one without making a fuss. And another. That means he consumed 8 green beans. Parenthood is made up of small triumphs that no-one else can quite appreciate: using a potty, sleeping in a big bed, learning to tie shoelaces and in our house eating 8 green beans. Freddie was less generous with his scoring, giving 7 out of 10. "And that is only for the pastry, not the green bean."
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9 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:18 AM

    These look delicious. I'm not such a fan of green beans but I would certainly have a go at eating them when they look this good. Thanks for another great idea.
    Sara from farmingfriends

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  2. 8 beans, small boy - sounds like a major maternal triumph to me! Well done!

    Joanna
    joannasfood.blogspot.com

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  3. Very creative Charlotte - the things you have to do to get them greens inside your little one eh! Can I ask - are you accepting recipe suggestions still? I have zero idea if my recipe suggestions are getting through to you as the email is being a constant disaster.

    Have a wet weekend!

    Cheers
    David

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  4. Anonymous11:27 AM

    David - I am - absolutely.
    Am really keen on a simple herb recipe . H for herbs you see...
    xxx

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  5. Just lovely!! Makes me wish I'd planned for "supper on the patio" vs "dessert on the patio" for guests tonight! (A high five to Alexandra for her naming prowess ...)

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  6. If green beans are still up for grabs, I highly recommend the Green Bean Casserole. No child in our family has ever turned their nose up at it. http://www.campbellkitchen.com/recipedetail.aspx?recipeID=24099

    For herbs, I would recommend a pesto. It takes a good amount of basil, some garlic and pine nuts and olive oil. Blend all ingredients in a blender and then toss with cooked, drained pasta. Quick and very simple.

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  7. these are lovely. oddly, green beans are pretty much the only veg i'd have to be "challenged" to eat. maybe i should hold a green bean challenge of my own!

    these look like they'd make perfect little appetizers.

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  8. What a clever way of using puff pastry!

    I shall try the 'catchy name' tecnique on Graham, as he is not cooperating at the moment. The sad thing is that Graham is an adult!

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  9. Oh what a novel idea for cooking Green beans. This would be great as a nibble for a dinner party!! Thanks!!!

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