Baked Beans – YES!

Let’s start this off with a blanket statement – the number of variations of Baked Beans is endless! But, if you are a traditionalist – then Baked Beans are actually pretty basic thanks to the culinary skills of Native Americans!

According to historians, Baked Beans are a direct descendant of Native American dishes that incorporated native beans and spices along with maple syrup! Toss in some bear fat, bury it in a pot with some smoldering coals, and wait.

Today, baked beans refer to any kind of bean dish ranging from basic beans in a sauce to a dish with ground beef, sausage, onion chunks, diced pepper… added in. You get the idea.

Regardless, Baked Beans are often considered an essential part of a grilling menu! So – July is National Baked Bean Month – which means it is time for a tasty recipe for – you guessed it Baked Beans!

Jack Black Baked Beans
Every cookout needs a good side. Dish. This is a great recipe for a lot of people!

• 4 cans baked beans
• 1 can hot dog chili sauce
• 1/4 cup Jack Black (Jack Daniels)
• 2 tablespoons black coffee
• 1 small minced onion
• 1 small minced red pepper
• 1 /3 cup real bacon bits
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• Toss in some finely chopped pineapple for a twist!

Speaking of a twist! Check out the BBQ Dragon Spinning Grate! Perfect for grilling amazingly cooked meats and veggies… and seafood!

Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a large foil baking dish and place on a preheated grill or in the oven. Cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes at 300 degrees. Increase cooking time or temp and cook until the desired amount of extra moisture is cooked off. Cover if needed.

This recipe is a variation of one found in my Great American Grilling cookbook! Enjoy – Kent

Author Bio: Kent Whitaker, also known as “The Deck Chef,” is an award-winning culinary writer and cookbook author. He’s also penned Young Reader, NASCAR, and History titles. The former winner of the Emeril Live Food Network Barbecue Contest also covers football, motorsports, and bass fishing. Kent currently lives in East Tennessee with his wife, son, and a couple of dogs that love when he fires up the smoker or grill. You can reach out to Kent at www.thedeckchef.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.