Recipe: Root Beer BBQ Beans (with bean cooking tip, Live with Regis and Kelly)

ROOT BEER BBQ BEANS

"Everyone loves beans at a barbecue. These have a nice root beer flavor, 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
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 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 are just starting to brown and become transparent.

Add the remaining ingredients, including the whole celery ribs. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and 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.

*BEAN COOKING TIP:
The celery helps minimize the gaseous effect beans have for some people. Just insert the celery ribs into the beans while they are cooking, and remove and discard before serving. It works!

Makes about 4-6 servings
Source: Live with Regis and Kelly