Racheal Ray

Green Beans with Apple Cider

2 (16-ounce) bags whole frozen green beans

Extra-virgin olive oil

1 small yellow skinned onion, finely chopped

3/4 cup apple cider

Salt and pepper

Put the beans in a large microwave safe bowl, loosely cover bowl with plastic food storage wrap and microwave on high 5 minutes. Uncover and stir the beans, then cover and microwave on high 4 to 7 minutes more, until desired doneness, from still-crisp to tender, but with a bite.

Heat a small skillet over medium low heat. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and the onions and cook until beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cider, raise the heat to medium high and cook until liquid is reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes.

Remove the beans from microwave. Season the beans with salt and pepper, to taste, and add to the pan with the onions and cider. Toss evenly to coat the beans and keep warm until ready to serve.

Apple and Onion Stuffin' Muffins

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan

1 stick butter, softened

1 fresh bay leaf, available in produce department

4 ribs celery and greens, from the heart, chopped (save time and purchase celery already washed, trimmed and cut into sticks, this makes chopping fast work)

1 medium to large yellow skinned onion, chopped

3 McIntosh apples, quartered and chopped

Salt