Green Beans Viennese

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon water

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon paprika

4 whole cloves

½ lemon, seeded, thinly sliced

1 red apple, unpeeled and cubed

1 medium onion, coarsely cut

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon cold water

1 pound fresh string beans, cooked, or 1 can (1 pound) green beans, drained and warmed

Heat butter, water, sugar, salt, paprika and cloves; add lemon slices. Simmer until transparent, about 5 minutes. Stir in apple and onion. Cover and cook until apples are tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

Blend cornstarch with cold water and add to sauce, cooking until mixture thickens. Add beans.

Serves four to five.

Cook's note: Try these with fish or pork.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving: 130 calories, 4.5 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 22 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein, 10 mg cholesterol, 240 mg sodium.