A Recipe Review - Green Beans with Apple Cider (Excellent Holiday Recipe)

Well, I have to admit when I was watching Rachael Ray cook this dish on her show a few months back, I was more than a little skeptical. I am not a fan of apple cider, and the mere thought of pairing the sweet and tangy flavor of apples with the savory flavor of green beans seemed more than a little crazy. But, the recipe reviews on the Food Network page were more than promising, so I decided to give them a try. As is customary for my cooking, I strayed from the recipe, by following some suggestion offered in the reviews, as well as adding my own touches along the way.
First of all, 3/4 C. of apple cider is just not enough for 2 bags of green beans. As was suggested by several reviewers, I used half of the container of apple cider (I bought 1/2 gallon), and rather than letting it reduce for 5 minutes, I let it reduce for 30 minutes. I then added the green beans, brought them to a boil, and then reduced the heat and let them simmer for 10 minutes, while I finished the rest of the meal. I then tossed in some almonds before serving. My daughter, as well as my husband, said they were the best green beans I had ever made.
Whether you are having ham, turkey, or pork for your holiday meal, these green beans will be the perfect side dish.
Green Beans with Apple Cider-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/green-beans-with-apple-cider-recipe/index.html

THE MOM BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to all you hard working moms out there! :)


Twas the night before Christmas,
when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring,
and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping,
all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo and Barbie,
flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring
in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle
propped on his knee.

So only the mom heard
the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh,
"Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush
still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs,
and saw the old man.

He was covered with soot,
which fell when he shrugged,
"Oh great," muttered the mom,
"Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa,
"I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially
difficult to make."

"Thanks, Santa, but all I want
is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled,
"So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered,
"What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa,
I've no time to chat."

Then out walked the clone -
Her identical twin,
The same hair, the same eyes,
the same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust,
she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy,
and she'll do the rest.

"Fantastic!" the mom cheered.
"My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read,
I'll sleep a night through!"

>From the room above,
the youngest did fret.
"Mommy! Come quickly,
I'm scared and I'm wet."

The clone replied,
"I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled,
"She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one
and hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child
in a blanket cocoon.

"You're the best mommy ever.
I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed,
"And I love you, too."

The mom frowned and said,
"Sorry, Santa, no deal."
That's my child's LOVE
she is trying to steal."

Smiling wisely Santa said,
"To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother
is needed here."

The mom kissed her child
and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa,
for clearing my head.

I sometimes forget,
it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old
for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle
began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone,
"It works every time."

With the clone by his side
Santa said "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom,
You will be all right."

~Author Unknown~