For summertime entertaining, barbecues, pool parties, picnics with family and friends I prepare easy to make ahead meals so I can relax with my guest. We hostess just want to have fun too!

Baked beans are great for celebrating July 4th, an all American side dish. Why buy already prepared baked beans from a can when you can easily make homemade. I like to use a variety of different beans, black, kidney, pinto, navy beans, you choose your favorite. I lean to more vegetarian and vegan food so I make these beans vegan and flavored with bourbon.

You can put the baked beans together a day ahead, refrigerate and bake the day you want to serve.

BOURBON BAKED BEANS

6 15- to 16-ounce cans assorted beans, black, red kidney, pinto, northern beans, drained

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion. chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/4 cups purchased barbecue sauce

1/2 cup bourbon whiskey

1/3 cup tomato paste

2 tablespoon cup dark molasses

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

2 tablespoon dark brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Place beans in a large bowl. Cook onions in oil until translucent about five minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic cooking for an additional five minutes. Cool then add to beans. In a medium bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients except for parsley.  Pour over beans and stir until combined. Transfer to a 113 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered until liquid bubbles and thickens slightly about 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes.

Enjoy!