This baked vegetable accompaniment is rich and full of flavour. It would taste particularly good served alongside any number of chicken dishes.
ingredients
serves 4
3/4 pound French beans
2 - 3 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tbsp All purpose flour
350 ml (12 fl oz) 1 1/2 cups milk and light cream, mixed
salt and freshly ground black pepper
method
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Trim the beans and cook in lightly salted boiling water for about 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and place them in an ovenproof dish.
2. Dry fry the bacon until crisp, stirring it constantly to make sure that it doesn't stick to the skillet. Crumble the bacon into very small pieces. Stir into the ovenproof dish with the beans and set aside.
3. Melt the butter or margarine in a large saucepan, stir in the flour and then add the milk and cream to make a smooth sauce, stirring continuously. Season well with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Pour the sauce over the beans and bacon in the dish and carefully mix it in. Cover the dish lightly with a piece of foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes until hot. Serve immediately.
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