Bacon Green Bean Bundles

green beans, about 1 1/2 lbs. fresh
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6+ slices bacon
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tblsp. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Fry bacon slightly (NOT until crispy).  Reserve grease.

Bring large pot of water to a boil; add baking soda.

Trim and wash green beans.  Place beans in boiling water and cook for 3 minutes or until beans are tender crisp.  Remove from boiling water and place immediately into ice water to stop the cooking process.

Mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper with a few teaspoons of reserved bacon grease.  Dry the green beans and toss in grease/spiced mixture.

Cut each bacon slice in half and wrap around 6-8 green beans in a bundle; secure with a toothpick and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Combine brown sugar with 1 Tblsp. water and brush lightly over each bundle.

Roast for 20-22 minutes or until bacon is crisp and beans are lightly roasted.

Recipe by:  Holly N. at spendwithpennies.com
Photo credits:  www.spendwithpennies.com