Green Beans with Pecan Butter Sauce

12 pounds fresh green beans
3 pints water
3 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups butter
1 pound pecans, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

Cook green beans in boiling water. Drain and place in serving dish. Season with salt and pepper.

Melt butter and add pecans; pour over green beans. Mix well. If not serving immediately, cover with foil and place in warm oven to stay warm.

Serves 48.