Balsamic Green Beans

I love fresh green beans and balsamic vinegar, so for me this is the perfect side dish

2 pounds fresh green beans

1 small onion, sliced

1 clove of garlic, minced

¾ cup chopped pecans (opt.)

2 tbls. olive oil

4 tbls. brown sugar

2 tbls. balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Blanch* green beans, until the turn a green.  While blanching green beans, sauté the onion, garlic and pecans in the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet.  When green beans are done blanching drain them really well and add them to the onion and garlic.  Add in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook until they turn into a glaze, it will take about five minutes on medium heat.  Makes 6-8 servings.

* To blanch green beans, 2 quarts of water to a boil, then add in the green beans and cook until they are a bright green.

Food for Thought:

In all events, a mother can exert an influence unequaled by any other person in any other relationship. By the power of her example and teaching, her sons learn to respect womanhood and to incorporate discipline and high moral standards in their own lives. Her daughters learn to cultivate their own virtue and to stand up for what is right, again and again, however unpopular. A mother’s love and high expectations lead her children to act responsibly without excuses, to be serious about education and personal development, and to make ongoing contributions to the well-being of all around them. Elder Neal A. Maxwell once asked: “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? –Elder D.Todd Christofferson, Oct.2014 conference

I love this quote!! I have had the great privilege to be a stay at home mom.  Some might not think that this is a privilege, but it is. 

When I was a young mom with young kids, there were days when I wondered why am I staying home with these kids, it’s a hard job with not much glory.  I would sometimes envy the working mom and wish for her life because I assumed that she was making a difference in the world.

 But I did make a difference and still do make a difference in the life of four great people and those friends that they bring home with them.  In a world that is changing every day, I make a difference with my constancy. I love them when they feel no one else does, I expect them to do their best, but realize they are still human and they will make mistakes, and give them hope when hard things come their way.

We as moms make a difference.  Have a Fabulous day and hug your kids whether they are small or teenagers (even they need a good hug).  And go forth and make a difference in their lives!!