Officially kicking off summer - kind of

While the "official" start to summer is still a few weeks away, this weekend is it for many people. School is done for the year for my boys as of yesterday and Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Growing up, as the son of educators, summer started when school ended for all of us, which often times was into the first part of June - so Memorial Day weekend was not the launch to summer it is for our family now. The weather is usually cooperative, and while there is yard work to be done and other stuff to take care of, it is a great opportunity to soak up family time, fire up some BBQ and get down to business.

Since we have the time one of the days of the 3-day weekend (compared to usual dinner time of eating right before heading somewhere or late after getting back from something) I will usually do a main dish that takes a little more work and/or time than usual, something from the "low and slow" philosophy such as ribs or brisket. And round it out with a side dish or two that is traditional with a spin. (You have heard that from me before, haven't you?)

So, to that end, check out this version (recipe under the photo) of beans that will be accompanying whatever route I go with food this weekend, Honey Apple Baked Beans, courtesy of the food blog at tsrecipes.com.

 

 

Ingredients

• 5 slices thick-cut bacon chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 (15 oz. cans) baked beans
• 1/2 cup Honey Apple Grill Sauce
• 1 tsp. mustard
• 2 small apples peeled and chopped

Instructions

Using a deep skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, draining off any excess grease. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Simmer over low heat, stirring regularly, about 1 hour – until thick and bubbly.

So easy, so simple, so delicious. And there are some other tips and hints to twist the version even more. Enjoy the weekend, honoring those who served our country and starting off your summer!