Ingredients

• 90 g (3oz) or 2-3 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, sweet variety, diced
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) or 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) paprika, (recommend smoky variety)
• 5 ml (1/2 tsp) chili powder
• 1 ml (¼ tsp) salt
• 1 ml (¼ tsp) black pepper
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Carmine’s Canadian Kid ‘Q Sauce (or your favourite)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) apple cider vinegar
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) ketchup
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Dijon mustard
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) brown sugar
• 3 – 398 ml (16 oz) cans baked beans
• 90 g (3oz) 2-3 slices of bacon, to top while cooking (optional, not really…)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven or grill to 400°F.
2. Over medium heat, in a large oven safe pot or skillet, cook bacon until browned and crisp
3. Add onion, red pepper and minced garlic. Sauté 5 minutes until tender, stirring often
4. Combine paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper; sprinkle into pot, coat contents well. Cook 1-2 minutes
5. Combine vinegar, Carmine’s ‘Q Sauce, ketchup, mustard and brown sugar in a bowl; stir into contents until coated completely
6. Slowly stir in all of the baked beans, mix thoroughly; bring to a slow boil, then remove from heat.
7. Lay optional (but not optional) bacon strips on top of the beans
8. Place the pot or skillet in the oven (uncovered); bake 30-35 minutes, until bubbling and liquids are thickened
9. Remove and let stand to cool and set for 15 minutes