The Tasty Table: Cheesey Zucchini Rice and Green Beans Bundles

The other night I really wanted some good old comfort food. In the midst of trying to eat healthier this is a problem as many are aware, it's hard to find "comfort foods" that have healthy items in it....or it is for me anyway....When I think comfort food I think mac and cheese or Mexican food....Not zucchini or green beans. So this is my yummy healthier alternative to comfort food.

This meal turned out delicious! Perfect to fix my comfort food craving! Hopefully yours too!

Cheesey Zucchini Rice

1 TBS olive oil
1 cup Brown Rice
1 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth
2 TBS Butter
1 Large Zucchini, shredded
1/2 cup Smoked Cheddar Cheese
1/2 Cup Gruyere Cheese
1/2 Cup Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Milk, if needed

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add Rice and stir to coat. Toast the rice, stir often, just until it starts to turn golden.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and cover.

4. Cook, covered for 15 - 20 or until most of the liquid is absorbed. While rice is cooking, shred zucchini, and cheeses.

5. Remove from the heat and add butter, grated zucchini, cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until well incorporated. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

6. Stir again and add salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of milk if needed.

Green Bean Bundles

1 lb green beans, trimmed

10 - 12 slices bacon, cut in half

2 TBS. Butter

1 TBS Brown Sugar

Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash and dry green beans, Cut ends off green beans.

2. Bundle 8 - 10 green beans together. Using Half a slice of bacon wrap in the green beans.

3. Lay the bacon bundle, Seam side down on the pan.

4. Heat a small saucepan over low heat. Add butter and brown sugar, whisk until combined. Using a pastry brush, brush mixture over top of each bundle.