Holiday Recipe Spectacular - Side Dishes - Poppy Seed Green Beans

My mother-in-law made a version of this recipe at one of our first dinners at her place.  Loved it!  Rather than the traditional green bean casserole, I decided to add this to my holiday menu.  I found this recipe at EatingWell.com.

Poppy Seed Green Beans

• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar, or rice-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 pound green beans, stem ends trimmed

Directions

1. To prepare dressing: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add poppy seeds and toast, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl (or jar) and let cool. Add oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, shallot, salt and pepper; whisk (or shake) until blended.
2. To prepare beans: Cook beans in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain. Warm the dressing in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and toss to coat.