Green beans cater to varied tastes

The turkey is the star at Thanksgiving, but tradition includes stuffing and side dishes to suit the varied tastes among family and guests around any holiday table.

Green Beans with Citrus Vinaigrette

2 pounds green beans, trimmed

5 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots

3/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind

2 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

2 1/2 teaspoons fresh orange juice

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, and add green beans. Cook beans for 4 minutes or until crisp-tender, and drain. Rinse with cold water, drain and set aside.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots; cook 2 minutes or until shallots begin to brown, stirring constantly.

Combine the shallots, lemon rind, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, salt and black pepper in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Slowly add 4 1/2 teaspoons oil, stirring well. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the beans, tossing gently to coat.

Makes 6 servings (serving size 1 cup).

Nutrition information per cup: 89 cal., 4 g total fat (1 g saturated), 0 mg chol., 3 g pro., 12 g carbo., 5 g fiber, 150 mg sodium.

Recipe from Health magazine's November issue.

Double Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

(Preparation 5 minutes, cooking time 35 minutes)

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/4 cups milk

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

4 cups cooked fresh whole green beans, or 16 ounce-package frozen whole green beans, thawed

1 and 1/3 cups prepared (canned) french fried onions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Melt butter in 2-quart saucepan. Blend in flour, nutmeg and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes until thickened, whisking often. Add 1 cup cheese and stir until melted.

Place beans and 2/3 cup french fried onions in 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over beans and mix gently to combine.

Bake in oven at 350 F for 20 minutes or until heated through; stir. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and onions. Bake 5 minutes or until onions are golden.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe from French's French Fried Onions.