Beans, beans, the magical fruit...

Some days you find that you really are never more than six years old. This happens to me whenever I make beans. That song must go through my head. Unfortunately, Sean is also six years old and it must come out his mouth. Such a wonderful thing when you have two little people who love to sing daddy's silly songs.

Tonight I was scouring the pantry looking for some tomato paste and I noticed I had some pork and beans sitting there. Ah, what a great side to go with the mini-meatloaves I'm making for dinner that I know Lucy will turn up her nose and say, "I no like meat". Lucy is my little fruititarian. She has yet to meet a fruit she won't devour. If you'd see her near fruit at preschool, you'd think we starve her. Some days we think she has a hollow leg! But show her meat and she turns up her nose.

Baked beans are my way of getting some protein into her. I try to keep the pantry stocked so I can make them up regularly. Lucy and I both love these baked beans and they are so simple. It is a combination of two recipes from my old copy of the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, the 1981 copyright.




Lucy's Baked Beans

2 - 16 oz can pork and beans in tomato sauce
1 small onion diced
1/2 c molasses
1/3 c brown sugar
1 T spicy brown mustard
2 T ketchup
1 t Worcestershire sauce

Spray no-stick spray in a 1-1/2 quart casserole.

Stir all ingredients in a big bowl and turn into casserole.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 1-1/2 to 2 hours depending upon how moist or dry you like your baked beans.

Let stand shortly before serving.

Many people have seen pictures of Lucy eating these beans. We long ago learned to let her eat these in just a diaper or now in just her panties. She wears these from head to toe. And she eats them with as much vigor as strawberries or blueberries.

Now if we could just get rid of that stupid song!