Green Beans with bacon-Balsamic Viniagrette

2 pounds green beans
2 bacon slices
1/4 cup minced shallots
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped almonds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar


Cook green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well; set aside.Cook bacon in a small skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet. Crumble; set aside. Add shallots to bacon fat in skillet; sauté 1 minute. Add almonds; sauté 1 minute. Remove and let cool. Add sugar and vinegar; stir until sugar dissolves. Add crumbled bacon.Pour vinaigrette over beans, tossing gently to coat.


--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine