4 c. snapped fresh green beans, (about 1 lb.)
Vegetable cooking spray
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. cornstarch
3/4 c. water, divided
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
2 whole cloves
1 bay leaf

Place beans in a vegetable steamer over boiling water. Cover and steam 20 minutes. Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and saute until tender.

Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water; add to onion mixture. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add remaining 1/2 cup water and remaining ingredients, stirring until smooth. Add beans; cover and cook over low heat 15 minutes or until beans are tender. Discard cloves and bay leaf. Yield: 6 servings (38 calories per 1/2 cup serving).