Finding the Balance

Our Thanksgiving traditions are a little different from the norm (well, really, whose family does EVERY traditional Thanksgiving food?).  Things we hate, therefore never have at Thanksgiving:

1.  Stuffing/Dressing/whatever you choose to call it.  I learned a few years ago that stuffing is cooked in the bird, and if it isn’t cooked in the turkey, it’s called dressing.  Whatever it is, I don’t like it.  Adam doesn’t either.  So we never make it.

2.  That jellied cranberry stuff.  I can use whole canned cranberries in a great meatball recipe, but that’s the extent of my use for any canned cranberry.  I realize this isn’t really THAT weird, because lots of people don’t like this, but I thought it’d be better for my list to have three things.  How’s that for transparency?

3.  Green.  Bean.  Casserole.  Sorry if it offends you, but that stuff with cream of mushroom soup and french fried onions makes me gag.  To be fair, I don’t think I’ve ever ACTUALLY tried it, so maybe it’s one of those things that I THINK I hate but would really love.

I’ll probably never know, though.  because a couple years ago my friend Alexis made THIS incredible green bean casserole with mozzarella, tomatoes and a sour cream sauce, and I don’t think I could ever NOT make it on Thanksgiving.  I’m sure many of you who really love regular green bean casserole think this sounds totally disgusting.  I’m fine with that, because I can’t stand what you love, either.  We are different but equal.  Complementarianism!  I love it!  But I digress.  Here’s the recipe.  It is tremendous.  Thanks Alexis, mainly for your friendship, but there is an extra special place in my heart for you because you introduced me to this deliciousness.  Love you!

Green Bean Casserole With Tomatoes and Mozzarella Cheese

This delicious green bean casserole is a nice combination of flavors. Top this casserole with buttered bread crumbs or crumbled French fried onion rings - OR see my suggestion below, because it makes the dish.  Also, I always double the recipe, so the baking time is a bit longer.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large bag (22 to 24 ounces) whole green beans
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 8 ounces shredded Mozzarella, fresh if possible
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup buttered bread crumbs or slightly crumbled French fried onions – I use broken up croissants and it is SO GOOD.

PREPARATION:

Butter an 11×7-inch baking dish. Heat oven to 375°.

Cook the green beans in a small amount of water until just tender. Drain and arrange in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the diced tomatoes and shredded cheese.

Set aside.

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion and saute until tender. Stir in flour until well blended. Add the salt, pepper, cream, and sour cream. Heat through, stirring constantly. Spread the cream mixture over the green beans then sprinkle the bread crumbs or French fried onions over all. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until browned and bubbly.

Serves 6.

So what stuff do you love and hate at Thanksgiving?  Enjoy your green beans in whatever form you like, and Happy Thanksgiving!  I love this prayer from The Valley of Vision:

O My God,
You fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
My heart admires, adores, loves You,
For my little vessel is as full as it can be,
And I would pour out all that fullness before You in ceaseless flow.
When I think upon and converse with You
Ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
Ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
Ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
Crowding into every moment of happiness.
I bless You for the soul You have created,
For adorning it, for sanctifying it,
Though it is fixed in barren soil;
For the body You have given me,
For preserving its strength and vigor,
For providing senses to enjoy delights,
For the ease and freedom of limbs,
For hands, eyes, ears that do Your bidding;
For Your royal bounty providing my daily support,
For a full table and overflowing cup,
For appetite, taste, sweetness,
For social joys of relatives and friends,
For ability to serve others,
For a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
For a mind to care for my fellow-men,
For opportunities of spreading happiness around,
For loved ones in the joys of heaven,
For my own expectation of seeing You clearly.
I love You above the powers of language to express,
For what You are to Your creatures.
Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.