Recipe: Sweet Baked Beans (using black cherry soda) (microwave)

SWEET BAKED BEANS

1 (12 oz) bottle black-cherry soda
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
2 tsp apple-cider vinegar*
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
3 cans (15 oz each) beans (black, pinto, red, or kidney), rinsed and drained
5 slices turkey bacon

Dump everything except the beans and bacon into a 2-quart microwavable dish and mix well. Stir in the beans. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave, stirring every 5 minutes or so, for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the liquid thickens.

While that's heating, cut the bacon strips into four equal-length pieces.

Uncover the beans and put the bacon strips on top in a single layer. Microwave, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and crispy around the edges.

Makes 6 servings

PER SERVING 253 calories, 14 grams (g) protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat (1 g saturated), 10 g fiber, 1,011 milligrams sodium

*To give your baked beans more of that mild, fruity flavor from the apple-cider vinegar, shake on a couple of extra dashes before serving.

Adapted from source: A Man, A Can, A Microwave by David Joachim and The Editors of Men's Health