With summer coming to a close (say it ain’t so!), I thought that including one last barbecue dish would be the perfect thing for this Soul Food Sunday.

This base for this barbecue bean recipe has been a classic in my family for a long time. When I was a kid it was always my job to drain the beans out while my mom browned the peppers and onions. After browsing the internet a couple weeks ago, I came across the brilliant idea of adding whiskey to baked beans for even more flavor. I figured there was no way that could be a bad idea.

Bourbon BBQ Baked Beans Recipe Type : Side Author: Lauren Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 45 mins Serves: 8 Ingredients 1 T. olive oil

1 T. butter or buttery spread

1/2 c. diced onions

1/2 c. diced bell peppers (I use mostly red, a little green)

1/3 c. prepared barbecue sauce (whatever you have lying around)

1/4 c. ketchup

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 t. molasses

2 t. apple cider vinegar

1/2 t. worcestire sauce

1/3 c. borboun whiskey

40 oz. canned baked beans Instructions Preheat oven to 375. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the onions and bell peppers and sautee until they are soft and just begin to brown. Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, and whiskey to the pan. Stir together and let boil for a few minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Drain the canned baked beans as much as you possibly can (I like to remove the top from the can and then press it into the can to squeeze the liquid out). Pour the drained beans into the skillet, then stir gently to coat the beans in the sauce. Spray a casserole dish or other baking pan with nonstick spray. Pour the bean mixture into the dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling throughout and brown on top. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. 3.2.2124

The bourbon adds this really awesome tangy warmth to these already delicious baked beans. The alcohol gets cooked out but the flavor definitely remains. I need to start adding bourbon to more of my food. It’s totally the Southern thing to do.

I’m finishing up our meal planning for the week, then Jason and I are headed to church, and then to my parent’s house for Sunday dinner. Pretty great start to the week! I hope you have a good one too.

-Lauren