Nancy's Kitchen

My granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Cassie & John Rohrer, hosted Thanksgiving for the family this year. They supplied the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dinner rolls. Cassie’s mother (my daughter), Carol Farley, provided the vegetables and fruit salad. My assignment was dessert and a spiral ham.

Carol and I discussed it, made the decision that we were tired of the traditional “Green Bean Casserole” and it would NOT be part of our dinner this year. However, there was a recipe in one of my favorite recipe books titled *“SCAT (Senior Citizens All Together) #3 Cookbook” I had wanted to try it but had been a bit skeptical about the combination of ingredients. I made it as part of my contribution and was pleased that the recipe is a KEEPER. It was submitted by a person named Dorothy Faulk. I do not know why she titled it “Christmas Beans” because it would be a perfect casserole for any dinner.

Cassie created a candy to make that I could not quit eating. She demonstrated to us how easy it is to make but did not tell us what it is called. I will have the recipe for you soon. It would be an ideal homemade candy for Christmas giving.

Thanksgiving for me is my favorite holiday of the year when family gathers not only for a wonderful dinner but the joy of being together. I am thankful for family and God’s many blessings.

CHRISTMAS BEANS

¾ to 1 lb. bacon (I used about 6 strips); See Note atthe bottom of the page

1 onion, chopped (I used ½ large onion)

1 cup sugar

½ cup water

1/3 cup vinegar (I used Seasoned Rice Vinegar)

Pepper to taste

1 (16 oz.) can butter beans, drained

1 (16 oz.) can green beans, drained

1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, drained

1 (16 oz.) can pork & beans

Cut bacon into small pieces and fry in skillet (I microwaved it). Pour off half the grease and sauté onion in remaining half. Add sugar, water, vinegar and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes. Place all beans in large casserole dish. Add bacon mixture and stir. Bake at 350○ for 1 hour.

NOTE; If you will clip each end of the bacon before cooking, it will not curl up.

*This Kountze, Texas cookbook was published and printed by Fundcraft Publishing, Collierville, Tennessee in the year 2000.