Green Bean and Bacon Bundles

I love to switch up my side dishes, and this one is soooooo good! It goes perfect with any steakhouse-style dish! I'd suggest preparing the bundles ahead of time because the prep can be time-consuming. These are great for the family--my kids LOVED them!--and to impress your family and friends. You can make these with asparagus, also. Serves 4-8 (I ate 3 because they were sooooo good). Enjoy!

Green Bean and Bacon Bundles

1 1/2 lbs fresh string beans*
8 slices lean, regularly sliced bacon
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees if cooking right away. If making head, preheat oven before baking. Line a baking sheet with foil; set aside.
2. Rinse string beans and cut ends off, discarding any icky looking beans or parts. Fill large saucepan 1/2 to 3/4 full of hot water. Lightly salt and bring to a boil. Add beans and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until the beans have turned bright green. Quickly drain in cold water until the beans have cooled.
3. Separate beans into 8 equal piles. Carefully wrap each bundle in a slice of bacon and place on prepared baking sheet. If you are preparing ahead of time, refrigerate until later.
4. If baking right away, place in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon is crisped and sizzling.
5. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. When butter is bubbling, add onions and garlic and saute 2-3 minutes, or until onions are soft and fragrant. Turn heat to low and add vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and set aside.
6. When bundles are ready, pull them out of the oven and place on serving platter. Pour butter sauce over bundles and serve immediately.

* Can be made with asparagus, also. Snip of bottom of each stalk and cut in half. Boil 3-4 minutes and follow rest of directions accordingly.