As requested, here's the Apple Jack Bean recipe. Nothing too fancy or difficult; it's my own twist on Hog Apple Beans.
Apple Jack BeansWith apples & Jack Daniels - hence the name.
Ingredients (per batch):
1 15 oz. Can Beans - whatever kind you like: Pinto, Kidney, White, etc. (for double or triple batches I like to mix two or three kinds)
4 strips Bacon cut into pieces.
1 small Onion chopped
1/2 of a large Apple (I like to use a crisp baking type - Granny Smith, Crispin, Gala)
1/3 cup BBQ Sauce
2 Tbs Brown Sugar
4 tsp Jack Daniels Whiskey (this is a good amount to give a hint but not overpower the flavor - Kentucky Bourbon works equally well)
1 heaping tsp Paprika
1/4 - 1/2 tsp Salt (to taste)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp Course Black Pepper (to taste)
Drain the beans but reserve the liquid (it will be added back in). Sauté the bacon & onions cooking just until the bacon is done but still pliable (not crispy). Drain most of the fat, but leave a little for flavor. Reduce the heat and stir in the paprika, salt & pepper so the heat releases the oil in the paprika. Add the beans and about 2/3 of the liquid then stir. Add the Apples, brown sugar, Whiskey & BBQ Sauce and stir. Adjust seasoning and add more liquid if needed.
Bring just to a simmer then transfer to your grill/smoker to catch some smoky goodness. Cook until the apples are translucent and the sauce is as thick as you like.
I just made this recipe for the first time this past Fall, but so far, every time I've made them they've been a hit. It's actually funny watching folks' reactions when they discover there are apples in them, "Are those apples? Oooh that's good!"
You could add a bit of sausage or smoked sausage too if you like.
Enjoy!
