Aunt Charolette’s Calico Baked Beans

👩‍🍳 Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans 🍛

Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed by generations. This heartwarming recipe is a staple at many family gatherings and barbecues. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and cooking time.

📜 History:
The exact origin of this dish is unclear, but baked beans have a rich history in American cuisine. Native Americans prepared a similar dish long before the arrival of European settlers. The popularity of baked beans in America can be traced back to the early 18th century. It’s a comfort food that has evolved over time and is now cherished for its sweet and savory flavors.

🥘 Components:

• 1 pound of dried navy beans
• 1/2 pound of salt pork or bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Soaking the Beans:

   • Rinse the dried navy beans and remove any debris.
   • Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Allow them to soak overnight.

2. Cooking the Beans:

   • Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
   • In a large pot, cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepping the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, cook the salt pork or bacon until it’s lightly browned. Remove it and chop it into small pieces.

   • In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.

   • In a mixing bowl, combine molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, white sugar, mustard, black pepper, salt, and ground cloves. Mix well.

4. Baking:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

   • In a baking dish or Dutch oven, layer the cooked beans, salt pork or bacon, and sautéed onions.

   • Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and gently stir to combine.

   • Cover the dish and bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check periodically and add water if needed to keep the beans moist.

   • Uncover during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the top to caramelize and develop a nice crust.

5. Serving:

   • Serve Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans hot, as a side dish for your favorite barbecue, grilled meats, or alongside cornbread.

⏰ Cooking Time:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, including the soaking time for the beans and baking.

Enjoy this beloved American classic at your next gathering, and don’t forget to add a touch of love and tradition to your cooking. 🥰🍽️

🍽️ Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🍛

Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans are a delicious comfort food, but they may not be the healthiest option due to their ingredients, which can be high in sugar and sodium. Here are some key nutritional facts and health information to consider:

🔍 Nutrition Facts (Approximate – per 1 cup serving):

• Calories: Around 275-300 calories
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 10-12 grams
• Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 3-5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Sodium: 500-700 milligrams

🌟 Health Information:

1. Protein: Baked beans provide a moderate amount of protein, making them a good vegetarian protein source. However, the total protein content may vary based on the recipe and the addition of ingredients like bacon or salt pork.

2. Carbohydrates: The high carbohydrate content primarily comes from the beans and sugars in the sauce, mainly molasses, and brown sugar.

3. Dietary Fiber: Baked beans are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help with feelings of fullness.

4. Sugars: The significant sugar content in baked beans comes from ingredients like molasses and brown sugar. While these sugars provide the sweet flavor, they can contribute to a high caloric content.

5. Fat: Baked beans are relatively low in fat, but if you add salt pork or bacon, the fat content will increase.

6. Saturated Fat: If you include bacon or salt pork in the recipe, the saturated fat content may increase. High saturated fat intake should be moderated for heart health.

7. Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the recipe and whether you use pre-packaged baked beans. Be cautious if you have high blood pressure, as excess sodium can contribute to hypertension.

💡 Healthier Options:
To make Aunt Charlotte’s Calico Baked Beans a bit healthier, consider reducing the sugar and sodium content in the recipe. You can use alternatives like low-sodium beans, reduce or replace sugar with a sugar substitute, and use leaner meats or skip them altogether. These modifications can make this classic dish more nutritious without sacrificing its delicious taste.

Remember, moderation is key when enjoying this classic comfort food, and it can still be a delightful addition to your meal with some mindful adjustments. 🍽️🥗👍