Baked Beans Recipe

Because this is my umpteenth attempt at blogging, I decided I would start out slow and easy by simply posting a recipe I've developed that's been a huge hit at several BBQ and potluck events. It's taken lots of trial and error but the final recipe is fantastic!



Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz.) Bush's Best Original Baked Beans


• ½ lb. bacon


• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar


• 2 tbsp. molasses
  
• 2 tsp. ground (dry) mustard


• cayenne pepper, to taste (see below)

Directions:

1. Fry or bake bacon to desired crispiness, drain grease, and pat dry with paper towels. Then break into ¼ in. to ½ in. pieces and set aside.


2. Place a bowl under a colander and dump the can of beans into it, making sure to catch all the liquid from the can in the bowl.


3. Place the drained beans into a slow cooker (crock-pot) and add back in half the liquid from the bowl. Discard the other half of the liquid.


4. Add the bacon pieces, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard into the bean mixture, stirring gently (be careful not to smash the beans).


5. If you ...
   
   • don't mind a little spice but aren't a big fan either, add a pinch (less than ⅛ tsp.) of cayenne pepper
   
   
   • enjoy a fair amount of spice, add a dash (between ⅛ and ¼ tsp.) of cayenne pepper
   
   
   • are a spice whore (like me!), add as much cayenne as you dare (minimum ½ tsp.)
   
   
   • cannot even tolerate the least bit of spicy heat, omit cayenne pepper altogether (wuss!).


6. Set the slow-cooker to high for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. When fully heated through, set the slow cooker to warm or low and serve.