The cook of this period would have been likely to cook the beans far more tender than currently is trendy and to use melted butter in the dressing, since vegetable oil-except olive oil-still was little used.
Young green beans make an excellent salad. String them, cut them into inch lengths, boil them in salted water until tender, and drain them. Beat the vinegar and water together. Add the salt, pepper, and the onion, and pour over the beans and onions. Mix well and set away for an hour or two before using for the tastes to blend.
