Bourbon Baked Beans

By barbsjustagirl

A lighter, healthier baked bean

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 3 applewood-smoked bacon slices
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 5 cups water
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tblsp bourbon, divided
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1-1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tblsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt

Preparation

Step 1

Sort and wash beans; place in a large dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; cover and let stand 8 hours or overnight. Drain beans. Wipe pan dry with a paper towel.

Preheat oven to 350.

Heat pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon to pan and cook for 4 minutes or until crisp. Remove from pan, reserving 1-1/2 tbsp. drippings in pan; crumble bacon. Add onion to drippings in pan; cook for 5 minutes or until onion begins to brown stirring frequently. Add beans, bacon, 4 cups water, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon, and next 3 ingredients (through pepper) to pan. Bring to a boil; cover and bake at 350 for 2 hours.

Stir in remaining 1 cup water, remaining 1/4 cup maple syrup and remaining 2 tbsp bourbon. Cover and bake 1 hour or until beans are tender and liquid is almost absorbed. Stir in vinegar and salt.