Bacon Walnut Green Beans

shared by Patty H.
(This was on the back of the frozen green bean package. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. The beans kept their bright green color and it was a change from having a lot of liquid.)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 T. olive oil
1/2 tsp. minced garlic (I used the garlic flakes - just about 1/4 tsp.)
1/4 cup. chopped walnuts (I used them because I had them but I think slivered almonds would also taste great.)
16 oz. package of frozen cut green beans
2 oz. of bacon, cooked and diced (I used 2 slices of the microwave bacon, drained on paper towels - lots less grease.)
salt to taste (It does need salt. I use the Morton Coarse Kosher Salt.)

Directions:
1. In a non-stick skillet, heat oil with garlic and walnuts on medium heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add green beans. Toss and cook on medium-high for 5 minutes.
3. Add bacon, stir and season with salt and cook an additional 2 minutes.
Makes 4 servings

Olive Garden Salad Dressing

shared by Dara P.

Note: A friend of mine got a cook book of "restaurant secrets" and gave me this one. I have made it numerous times and it does taste JUST like Olive Garden's famous salad dressing.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup corn syrup
2 1/2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons dry pectin
2 tablespoons beat egg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
pinch of dried oregano
pinch of crushed red pepper

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients with a mixer on medium speed or in a blender on low speed for 30 seconds. Chill at least 1 hour.

Shepherd's Pie

shared by Dara P.

Ingredients:
1 lb. of hamburger
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 can green beans
1 can of hominy (or corn)
2 pkgs of brown gravy mix
Mashed potatoes (I used about 6 medium potatoes)
1 c shredded monterrey jack cheese or cheese of your choice

Directions:
1. Brown the hamburger and onion together with worcestershire sauce, a pinch of garlic powder, salt, pepper and salt-free greek seasoning.
2. Add the hominy or corn (most people don't like hominy) and green beans to the onion and burger.
3. Add the gravy to the beef mixture and cook on low just til thickened.
4. Pour into a 9 x 13 pan.
5. Top with the potatoes and cheese.
6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or til bubbly.
To make it a little easier I put the brown gravy mix w/ the water into a jar and shook it until it was all mixed up. It made it so much easier to add to the meat mixture. You can also use canned gravy.