Green Beans Almondine

Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil.  While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a large bowl of ice water.  Clean you fresh green beans and trim ends. Once water is boiling, add green beans and boil for 2-5 minutes. Move the green beans from the boiling water to the ice water to stop the cooking process.  After a few minutes, move the green beans to a paper towel to dry them.  Let them rest while you prepare other ingredients.

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.  Add the almonds to a the dry skillet and toast them until they are a golden brown.  This takes about 5 minutes.  You will want to keep a close eye on them and stir them occasionally. Once done, move to a clean bowl. Don't forget to slice your shallot! 

In the same cast iron skillet, add olive oil (the pan should still be warm/hot). Add the sliced shallot and salt.  Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots are crispy. Add green beans and continue to sauté, for 5 to 10 minutes, until the desired tenderness is obtained.  Remove the pan from the heat, add garlic and lemon juice, then toss all of the ingredients together.  Top with the almonds and serve.