Super Yummy Baked Beans

Independence Day is on it's way!  Time for picnics and BBQ's with family and friends....and time to bring out the yummy food to share. I love baked beans, but I don't like to wait for hours to eat them.  So....I decided to make these super great beans in the microwave!  Yes.....the microwave!  I don't really "cook" in the microwave...maybe some bacon, in a rush.  But, these beans are easily made and enjoyed in about 30 minutes time. 

Super Yummy Baked Beans

1/2 pound of bacon- about 6 strips, depending on the cut-thick or thin

1 large onion, chopped
3 cans of pork and beans
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup mustard
1/3 cup brown sugar

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the bacon into nice chunks, 1/2 or so.  Fry it until it is nice and crispy, take it out of the pan and drain on paper towel. Save for later. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it's softened.
While the onion is cooking, pour the beans into microwave-safe dish.  Add the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.  Stir well.  Add the bacon and onions and taste.....it is gonna need salt. Salt and pepper to taste.  Now....put it in the microwave for 5 minutes on high power.  After 5 minutes, stir the beans well and put in for 5 more minutes.  Done! 

*You could also add chili powder or cumin or BBQ sauce to make the beans your very own.

*You may also substitute turkey bacon if you want to lower the fat content.

*You can also make these beans completely vegetarian by using the vegetarian pork and beans, leaving out the bacon and adding diced green peppers with the onions and saute them in olive oil before adding to the beans.

Creamed Corn-my Mom's way!

August is one of my favorite months. It is usually the best month  here in the Pacific Northwest for summer weather. It is also my anniversary and birthday month!  It is also the month for fresh, sweet corn.  I love corn in any preparation. Corn on the cob is so good simply prepared and eaten with butter, salt, and pepper.  If you want to go a little fancy-schmancy try the California Seasoned Pepper and Shallot Salt from Penzey's.  www.penzeys.com  It is a yummy variation.  My all-time favorite recipe is one that my mom made for me on my birthday at least 10 years ago.  I don't remember where she got the recipe..but it is divine.  It isn't low-calorie....but it's my birthday, right?  It combines fresh sweet corn with bacon and onions. Sauteed in a frying pan with a secret ingredient.....cream cheese!  Yum! I am making it tonight for dinner!

Creamed Corn-My Mom's way!

8 ears of fresh corn-sliced off the cob
1/2 pkg of bacon-cut into bite-size pieces
1 onion-chopped
1-2 T. sugar
1 brick Cream cheese
1-2 T. milk or half and half
Fry the bacon until crisp. Take out of pan and drain. Reserve the fat in the pan and add the onion and corn. Saute until the corn is done but still crisp. Add the sugar if needed. I usually taste it and then judge how much sugar to add...if any! Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until it is melted and incorporated. You may need to add a little milk/half and half to thin it down. Now.....add in the bacon. OMGsh! Nirvana.
Try to have some restraint and wait until it is cool to eat it! 
This should serve 4 people easy...or 1 girl on her birthday!