Beans

1. Wash beans and snap off ends with the stem. Steam or boil in salted water for 5-6 minutes, removing them when they are still bright green and still have a little crispness to them. Run them under cool water to stop the cooking process. This step can be done ahead of time, placing the beans in a plastic bag until you are ready to finish.
2. Heat a large skillet with olive oil then add garlic slices and sauté on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. Do not let garlic brown.  Add beans, toss in olive oil continue to cook for 2 minutes and lemon juice and toss. 
3. Place on a platter, sprinkle with nut and croutons and lemon zest.

Crouton & Nut Topping

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Place torn bread on half of baking sheet and nuts on other half. Place in the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes, until crispy, then remove pan and let cool.
2. Take a half cup croutons and crush with a rolling pin or in a bowl with a potato masher, mix with nuts and sprinkle on top of beans.
3. Heat a large skillet with olive oil or butter, add garlic, cook for 1 minute, add bread pieces to the pan and toss in the oil. Continue to cook for 3 minutes, tossing occasionally. If using store bought breadcrumbs, toast them in the same manner adding salt and pepper.
4. Place beans on a platter then top with breadcrumb and nut mixture and serve.