Maple Green Beans With Smoked Bacon & Pickled Red Onions

Step 1: In a saucepan, bring apple cider vinegar and maple syrup to a simmer. Add julienned onion and poach for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Remove onions from pan and reduce the remaining liquid until only a few tablespoons remain, and reserve.

Step 3: In a large pot of salted, boiling water blanch the trimmed green beans for one minute. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.

Step 4: In a large saute pan over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crispy.

Step 5: Pour off most of the bacon fat. Add beans and onions to pan and cook, tossing occasionally, until beans are piping hot.

Step 6: Once the beans are hot, add the reduction syrup back to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.