Summer Traditions

Reflecting on my 4th of July break, I’ve been thinking this week about all our great summer traditions – and, of course for me, that includes food. As I’m sure you can agree, those recipes we pull out in summertime, handed down from generation to generation, always seem so special. I think every family has them – special barbecue sauce or dry rub, summer salads, and desserts (yum!). Sometimes just the mention of them gets your taste buds going.

I asked my crew at work (and at home) to pull some of their favorites so I can share with our readers. When I asked my wife Jackie, she immediately said, “I’ll get one of your favorites, Calico Beans” – a simple recipe that slow cooks throughout the day filling the house with a great aroma, and compliments just about anything we throw on the grill. My preference is serving it with barbeque chicken, brats and potato salad. Give it a try.

Calico Beans

• 1 lb pork sausage cooked
• 2 medium onions chopped
• 1 can each (16oz)
• Drained green beans
• Drained wax beans
• Kidney beans with liquid
• 1 can tomato soup
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 Tbs mustard
• ¾ cup brown sugar

Mix all ingredients together and heat in a crock pot on low for 4-6 hours.

If you have a favorite, shoot me an email and share – I’ll collect ‘em and share
with our readers.