A contest on another site using Bush's Beans got me curious about the new line they offer

[karennoca]

I picked up a can of Grillin' Beans, Smokehouse Tradition. They are not bad, but I'd like to freshen them up a little. So what are your thoughts? Here are the ingredients: white beans, brown sugar, onion, bell pepper, sugar, tomato paste, vinegar, bacon, white distilled vinegar, etc. I do not detect an vinegar flavor, they are more smoky sweet. Shall I add a tablespoon of balsamic (makes so many things taste better) or any fresh herbs or spices. I have thyme, tarrogan, oregano, basil, parsley, cilantro, marjoram.

I usually make my own, but now and then, a little help from the pantry is necessary.

 

[lisainla]

I like to add a bit of mustard to them for some tang, similar idea to the vinegar.

 

[karennoca]

Do you add a dry mustard like Colemans (what I use in my beans) or fresh?

 

[lisainla]

I use fresh - whatever on hand; brown, yellow, or dijon.

 

[dawn_mo]

Yellow mustard, a little cider vinegar and perhaps a little bit of chipotle in adobo sauce?

 

[karennoca]

I added the mustard, apple cidar vinegar and chipotle powder....

It freshend it up and it tastes pretty good!
thanks

 

[erininny]

Friend of mine adds pickle juice (from the jar) to beans.

I am not quite so hard-core, but she swears by it.

 

[traca]

I add pickled jalapeno juice.

 

[karennoca]

Love the pickled juice suggestions...made note of it!

 

[lisainla]

Ah - chipotle powder is a great idea, I add that to refried beans.

I also forgot how great a bit of Ortega diced and roasted green chiles are in any kind of baked beans.

 

[meryl]

I use diced green chiles in so many things!

 

[lisainla]

I don't know why I forget to use them, growing up we had them frequently.

 

[Marg CDN]

My H made great beans from the can. Pickapeppa sauce, sauted green peppers and onions.