FRENCH BEANS WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS (for six)

2/3 cup hazelnuts (about 3 ounces), coarsely chopped

1-1/2 pounds French beans, trimmed

¼ cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar

1.Place hazelnuts in a small, nonstick skillet. Stir over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and set side.

2. Cook beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. (Can be made up to 2 hours ahead. Let beans stand in colander.) Melt butter in same pot over medium-high heat. Add beans and vinegar; toss to coat and heat through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

from Bon Appetit Magazine, November, 2001