Christmas Green Beans

This red and green side dish is a colorful and tempting alternative to the usual holiday green bean casserole. It's really a great green bean recipe for any day of the year.

• 16 oz. frozen French-cut green beans
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 medium size red bell pepper- washed, seeded and sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 lb. processed yellow cheese slices (such a Velveeta or yellow American cheese)
• 1/2 cup French Fried onions

Preparation -
Place the green beans and water in a 2 quart covered casserole. Cook in a microwave oven on full power for about 7 minutes. Add the red bell pepper strips and cook on full power for 5 more minutes or until the green beans and red bell peppers are tender. Drain, cover and set aside. Break up the sliced cheese and place it in a microwave safe measuring cup. Cook on full power for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, stopping to stir about every 30 seconds. Stir the cheese into the green bean/pepper mixture. Just before serving, sprinkle the French Fried onions over the cheesy vegetable mixture.