Saturday, May 14, 2011

Schoolhouse Baked Beans


•Schoolhouse Baked Beans•

A perfect standby for any picnic, potluck, or cookout. Any meal with a "k" sound in it, really. And all the ingredients are pantry or long-term fridge stable.

Now, think flexibly. If you're feeding a small group, say six, you might want two large cans of baked beans. But a larger group might require five cans. I always buy the vegetarian, I'm not interested in the little chunk of mystery meat.

Open, and if you're cooking for a crowd, keep opening the cans of beans. Drain most of the sauce into the sink, then tip the beans into a large pan. Don't worry about every drip of sauce; you don't want your beans to fall in the sink because you're trying too hard.

When you're satisfied with the quantity of beans in your pan, get out some dry mustard powder. For a small batch, use about a teaspoon (this is all very casual, there *is* no wrong amount); for a large batch, two tablespoons. Dump on top of the beans.

And follow with some ketchup, aiming for about 1/4 cup for a small batch, 1/2 for a larger batch.

Same with the brown sugar.

At this point, if you're feeling fancy, you can dice some onion or green pepper, though I rarely do.

With a rubber scraper or wooden spoon, fold everything together gently. Lay a few slices of bacon on top.

Slide into the oven. If you have just an hour, set the heat to 400. If you have longer, use a 350 oven and keep them in til it's time to go. A small pan will need an hour, a large pan twice that. You want them to bake and bake until most of the liquid has cooked off. They will become candied and dark brown, and the bacon will be crisp. Your patience will be rewarded, and if you do this right, you will soon be *required* by your friends to bring this dish with you the next time you come.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

This is a staple dish up here in Maine (thus all the baked bean suppers) and I have my Grammies old recipe that I like to use. It has a dash of ginger, and bit of horseradish - just a tiny bit - it gives them a little "oh! those are good!"

Sarah said...

Mmm...those do look good! And thanks to the "K" sound guideline, I know they'll be perfect for Skydiving, too!

Lisa said...

I think I may try that on Memorial Day!

Lisateresa

Anonymous said...

My Mom's recipe is just like that! So good!

Rie said...

Thanks, that sounds easy enough for even me. :) I'm also almost always bringing potluck dishes somewhere. Perfect!

Karen said...

We also add about 1/2 cup strong leftover coffee to our recipe (which is similar to yours). Gives it a surprising taste that we love.

Margo said...

oh yes, I have many memories of my mom "doctoring" cans of baked beans.
I love to do these in the winter, starting with plain home cooked beans, and baking them with the flavorings for about 5 hours at 200, with a dish of rice pudding baking alongside too. So homey (and perfectly balanced!).

Amy said...

sounds delicious! I have been making your chili and your chicken soup for a while now...your recipes are so yummy and accessible. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

Kate said...

Mmmmm! I will have to try this!

~Kate

Heather Anne said...

Aunt Libby's Cheater Beans almost perfectly ... with the addition of some molasses! Isn't it funny how every region has it's favorite baked beans? We *always* have ours with ham, scalloped potatoes and cole slaw because my Mum says they're good together! And they are!

seashoreknits said...

I make mine with an almost identical list of ingredients, except I use maple syrup (any pancake syrup) instead of ketchup. This is a great potluck dish!!

Anonymous said...

Perfect! I have a BBQ coming up and need to bring a side!

bananna24 said...

Thanks, this is just in time for my daughter's first birthday party! Looks great!

walklet said...

This is exactly like my Grandma's recipe... We never bring any leftovers home. They are that good!

Anonymous said...

Sounds delicious and oh so easy! You know, your recipes have become staples since my husband and I were married. I found your blog about 2 months before we we married and it's been such a blessing, not to mention all of your wonderful homemaking tips that I've come to hold so dear! Most of the food I make comes from Pleasant View Schoolhouse! The only recipe I ever had trouble with was the Pork Ragu, and in re-reading it, I purchased the wrong cut of meat so that was my own fault. I just wanted to let you know, Anna, that you and your family continue to be inspirational to us!

In Christ,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

These beans make my mouth water. Following on your theme that they are meant to be eaten on occasions/meals that have a "k" sound in them, I would like to suggest serving them for BREAKFAST!

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