Smoky Calico Beans

Although well suited to accompany a summer barbecue meal, the aroma of these beans baking will welcome anyone coming in from the winter chill. These can make a meal with just the addition of cornbread, or serve them alongside a baked ham or pork roast.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 slices crisply-cooked bacon, crumbled
2 onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 cup purcharsed barbecue sauce
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke seasoning (omit if using smoky barbecue sauce)
1 (16-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-ounce) can pork and beans, undrained

Cooking Directions:

1. Stir together all ingredients well in a large bowl. Place bean mixture in a 4-quart casserole.
2. Bake, covered, in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Makes 12 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of National Pork Board.