Baked Beans

My baked beans are famous round these parts.  At any family BBQ it's a given that I will be asked to bring the beans.  I am the "bean girl".  Yes, they are scrumptious. Yes, everyone loves them.  Oh, and yes, they are quite simple to make. 

 *this recipe will feed about 15 people you can add more or less depending on your crowd.  Also, I don't really ever measure anything and they always turn out fine.  approximate and add your own twists...it's all good!*

Ingredients: 

2-28 oz.cans Bush's Baked beans {any variety will do, just make sure it's Bush's!}

1 large onion chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

2 cloves chopped garlic

1-4 oz. can diced green chilies {a little Jalapeno too if you like the heat}

6-8 strips crispy bacon

1/2 cup Brown sugar

1/4 cup ketchup

2 Tbsp maple syrup

a small squirt of mustard

a few squirts of BBQ sauce

a dash of Cayenne pepper {more or less to taste}

a little salt and pepper

Directions:

I like to do this all in one pan, {saves on clean up} so if you have a good heavy cast iron pan, use it!  Heat up your big and heavy sauce pan. 
Cook your bacon until it is good and crispy.  Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel.
Add the onions chilies and peppers. Cook until softened.  Then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Go back to your bacon and make sure it's cool, then crumble it back into the pan.
Add the rest of your stuff.  Stir until combined.
Simmer on low for a few hours with the lid on, or bake it covered at around 300 for a couple hours.  You wanna be sure to keep the heat low so your beans don't "pop". 
Last but not least, bring 'em to your partay and watch 'em disappear!

*warning! You too may be type cast into being the "bean girl" and having to bring these to every summer BBQ for the rest of your life.  If this happens, pass out the recipe!*