Calico Beans

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We all have a member of our family that always brings the best food to all family gatherings. For me that person is my Aunt Marcella. She always brings the best food! She is know for her homemade bread( which makes the best toast in the whole world) and she always , always has cookies. Everything she makes is homemade and made with love…….and I love her!
Years ago….I’m not sure if she will remember this or not, she used to make this bean dish called Calico Beans. I loved it!!!!

It’s one of those dishes that is totally portable, good warm or at room temp…….truth be told, I have eaten it cold and its still awesome, and it’s even better the next day……yeah it’s one of those dishes. Plus it is super easy to make!

It can be a side dish or a main dish……I know, the list keeps growing. It has a ton of beans and beans are a great source of fiber. Insert your favorite bean joke here……

The only changes I have made to her original recipe are the type of bacon. I switched from regular to applewood smoked bacon, just because its my favorite. I also changed the pork and beans to a flavored maple baked bean. Otherwise it’s the original recipe.
I decided to make these as we are having a cook out today and I just got a new cast iron dutch oven and really needed to use it

……….. and they will be a nice side dish for our steaks, granny potatoes ( watch for that recipe later this week), and corn on the cob. A traditional summer cookout dinner. My brother, Rick, nephew, Brad, and his girlfriend Caitlin are coming over. Super excited, as we do not see each other enough enough!!

For you next family gathering bring these beans….you will be the hit of the show!!! Just be sure to tell them What the “Forks for Dinner? sent you……..