HARICOTS VERTS WITH HAZELNUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add haricots verts and 1 tablespoon salt; cook until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain, and plunge into an ice-water bath to chill. Drain, and set aside. (This can be done up to a day in advance.)
• In a medium skillet, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and cook, turning, until shallots start to brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook, turning frequently, until shallots are well browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut into slivers.
• Meanwhile, place hazelnuts (blanched or with skin) in a baking pan; toast in the oven until they darken, 5 to 7 minutes. If using hazelnuts with skin, remove as much of it as possible by rubbing them quickly and vigorously in a dish towel. Crush roughly with the flat side of a knife.
• In a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add haricots verts, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Add shallots and hazelnuts; cook 1 minute more. Transfer to a serving dish, and serve.