June is the month for graduations, Father’s Day, and, of course, the first day of summer – all perfect excuses to throw a backyard cookout! Spread the checkered tablecloth, fire up the grill, and enjoy dining al fresco. For delicious additions to your outdoor table, dress up traditional baked beans and hot dogs with these festive recipes. Don’t forget to set up volleyball, horsehoes, croquet and other favorite games so everyone builds up a hearty appetite!
Not-Your-Ordinary Baked Beans
Ingredients:
2 16-ounce cans lima beans, drained (or 2 10-ounce frozen packages)
2 16-ounce cans kidney beans, drained
2 16-ounce cans butter beans, drained
4 16-ounce cans baked beans
1 can tomato soup
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/4 cup prepared mustard
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup Hormel bacon bits
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Transfer to a large casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, or transfer beans to a crock pot and slow cook for 2-3 hours. Serves 18-24 (depending on the appetites!).
Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground clove
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon parsley
salt & pepper
1 15-ounce can Hunt’s tomato sauce plus 1/2 can water
Directions:
In a large skillet, saute hamburger on medium high heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onions are transparent. Add remaining ingredients and simmer – the longer it cooks, the better flavor! Serve on top of hot dogs – with mustard and onions if you like. Makes approximately 16 chili dogs.
Chef's not: Hot dog chili can be frozen in plastic containers then re-heated for use at other summer picnics and cookouts!
– Recipes submitted by Nancy Duffy
Comments