2 lbs large (long) but tender green beans
3 tablespoons sweet butter
Salt
Large kettle boiling water
Choose beans of uniform length from the 2 lbs. You may need to purchase a bit more than required if the beans are not of uniform length. Choose 15-18 beans (depending upon appetites) uniform beans per person. Tip and tail them. Then form into bundles and tie each bundle securely with kitchen string. In the meanwhile bring a large kettle of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the bundle3s and boil, uncovered, 8 minutes. Drain the bundles in a colander, then plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking. Remove them from the cold water and drain, then pat dry on a clean towel, and set aside until just before serving time. Before serving, heat the butter over medium heat in a pan large enough to turn the bundles easily. When the butter is melted, add the bundles and turn them once to heat them through thoroughly for 3-4 minutes. Place one bundle on each individual dinner plate, clip the string and pull it off gently.
