Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
5 strips bacon
5 tbsp butter, divided
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped
1/8 tsp soy sauce

1. Preheat oven to 400. Put green beans in a large pot of water. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cover and continue to boil for an additional 10 minutes, until tender.

2. Meanwhile, fry bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat. You want the bacon to cook "soft;" do not "crisp" the bacon. Set aside on paper towels to cool and reduce grease. Cut bacon strips into halves when cool.

3. Drain beans and return to put. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to melt over beans.

4. In a 13x9" baking dish, lay on bacon half. Place 6-7 beans on the piece of bacon, then wrap the bacon around the beans and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining bacon pieces and beans.

5. Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan. Add brown sugar, garlic and soy sauce, whisking continuously, over medium-high heat. Once completely blended, brush over bean bundles with a basting brush until mixture is completely gone.

6. Bake in oven 10-15 minutes, until bacon begins to brown.

Serves 6-8.