Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Almonds

1/2 cup sliced almonds

2 pounds haricots verts (tiny green beans), trimmed

3 tablespoons sherry vinegar*

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup olive oil

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

2 shallots, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 (4-oz.) goat cheese log, crumbled

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

2. Cook green beans in boiling salted water to cover 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Plunge beans into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain.

3. Whisk together vinegar and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl; add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until blended and smooth. Add cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and green beans; toss to coat.

4. Top green bean mixture with crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds.

*White wine vinegar may be substituted.