The French green beans (haricot vert) are best in this recipe. Bacon, onions, sweet red peppers, balsamic vinegar, and wine give a sweet and sour, smoky flavor to the beans. If you cannot find them fresh or frozen, use the thinnest green beans you can find. Roasted red peppers (your own or jarred) may be substituted for the fresh red bell pepper.

• Green Beans with Sweet Red Peppers (Haricot Vert) Recipe
_{Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Spice mixes are a great choice for homemade gifts from the kitchen. Put the mixture in a nice jar, and tie on a suggested usage tag with a pretty ribbon. It's unusual and quick. Mix some up for yourself while you're at it and save money while adjusting flavors to suit your personal needs. Try Magic Dust Spice Mix, Poultry Seasoning Mix, No-Salt Seasoned Salt Mix, or one of the many other spice mix recipes.

Homemade Spice Mix Recipes and Tips
_{Spice Mix Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}