cookout in the park

[ljgeoff]

We're heading to the park today with our family -- Jerome, Trentyn and Zari, Luke and his friend Aaron, maybe Aaron's mom, Mike's gf Sylvia, our beloved Lois who has been like a mother to Mike, and me and Mike. So, five or six adults, and four kids.

We're cooking out at the park: brats, hamburgers and chicken, potato salad, calico beans and watermelon.

Have a recipe!

Lisa's Calico Beans (which are only different from other calico bean recipes because I'm not fond of kidney beans)

Ingredients

4 ounces bacon, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green and red sweet bell pepper
1 can (21 ounces) pork and beans
1 can (16 ounces) butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 ounces) black beans rinsed and drained
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Pour drippings into can for later use.

- In the same skillet, cook beef, sweet pepper and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Combine the beef mixture, bacon, beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard and salt. Spoon into a greased 2-qt. baking dish.

- Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 45-60 minutes or until the beans are as thick as desired. Recipe can be easily doubled for a larger group. Yield: 8-10 servings.

- Or place in a crock pot and cook on high for one hour, simmer on low or warm as long as necessary, adding water when needed. (be careful not to stir too vigorously or it will turn into refried beans)


For my own reference: shopping list

bacon
butter beans
sweet pepper
paper plate holders
plastic forks
charcoal