• Wash your green beans, trim the ends with either a sharp knife or scissors, and allow the beans to dry.

Steaming

• In my opinion, the easiest and fastest way to cook green beans is steamed, in a skillet with a lid on your stovetop. You don't need a fancy steamer or double boiler.
• Get out your skillet and place it over medium high heat. Add about ⅔ cup of water and ½ teaspoon salt to your skillet. Once water is boiling add your prepared beans.
• Your beans will not be submerged in water, they will steam while the lid is on so don't remove it for at least four minutes. Your beans will be bright green and tender.
• Drain your beans in a colander in your sink.

Boiling

• In a medium to large sized pot boil approximately 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Once water is boiling, carefully add your prepared green beans. Cook until beans are bright green and starting to become tender, about 4 minutes.

Making the Balsamic Green Beans

• While your beans are draining in the colander inside your sink, wipe your skillet dry with paper towel if you used it to steam your green beans. If you didn't just use it there is no need for paper towel!
• Turn your heat to medium, add olive oil (and butter if desired) and wait until it shimmers or a drop of water flicked in it dances.  
• Add green beans to the large saucepan with the oil in it. Cover, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to a minute. You will be able to smell the garlic.
• Add vinegar, honey, onion powder, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low.  Stir regularly for a couple more minutes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!