ROOT BEER BBQ BEANS

"Everyone loves beans at a barbecue. These have a nice root beer taste, but you can also use Dr. Pepper, Cherry Coke, or the Southern favorite, RC Cola, for a distinctive flavor. Don’t use any diet drinks, as they get bitter when cooked."

5 slices bacon, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 (36-ounce) can baked beans, preferably Bush’s or 3 cups of already cooked drien beans, your favorite kind
1 cup root beer (regular, not diet)
2 tablespoons dark molasses
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 to 3 whole ribs celery

Cook the bacon with the onions in a medium saucepan over a grill or side burner until the bacon is brown and crisp, and the onions have become transparent and are just starting to brown.

Add all of the remaining ingredients.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove the celery and serve the beans hot.

Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Adapted from source: The Big Book of Barbecue Sides by Rick Browne