Green Beans with Tomatoes and Bacon

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bacon thick cut cut into 1-inch segents
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 pounds green beans fresh firm ends trimmed (they should break when you bend them, not bend like a rubber band)
• 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes whole canned
• 1 large sprig thyme sprigs fresh
• 4 servings salt 
• 4 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 0.1 teaspoon ground pepper 

Equipment

• pot
• slow cooker

Directions

1. Cook the bacon until fat begins to render:
2. Place the bacon pieces on the bottom of a large, thick-bottomed pot.
3. Heat on medium heat for several minutes until the bacon fat begins to render.
4. Add onions, then garlic:
5. Add the chopped onions to the bacon. Cook a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
6. Add the garlic (if using) and cook a minute more.
7. Drain off any excess fat.
8. Add the green beans to the pot.
9. Add the whole, peeled, canned tomatoes and their juices.
10. Add a sprig of thyme to the pot (if using).
11. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
12. Cover and simmer: Cover the pot and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beans are cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.
13. Slow Cooker Instructions If you want to use a slow cooker for step 4, you can easily do so. Just put the cooked bacon and onions from steps 1 and 2, and the beans, tomatoes and spices into a slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your slow cooker, until the beans are completely tender and the tomatoes have broken down.
14. Serve!