Calico Beans

I don't think any backyard BBQ is complete without beans.  Now I love homemade baked beans but I had never tried to make them.  I had, until now, been content with eating canned beans that I doctor up a little bit, or even better the homemade versions that others so kindly bring.  That is until I found this recipe posted by Heather at Gourmet Meals For Less, when she guest blogged over at Eatin' on the Cheap.  These beans are hearty, sweet, and utterly delicious with any food cooked on a grill, not to mention easy easy easy on the budget! 

**Cook's Note-I am posting this exactly as Heather posted it originally. No changes or alterations were need by this cook!  Her pricing is close to what mine would be, check out the total at the bottom--I love a good deal!

Calico Beans

Recipe Source: Heather from Gourmet Meals For Less

Serves 12

3-4 medium onions, halved and sliced 1.00
5 bacon strips, diced 1.00
2 garlic cloves, minced .08
1 cup packed dark brown sugar .20
1/2 cup cider vinegar .10
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard PI
2 cans (15-1/4 ounces each) lima beans, rinsed and drained .50 (I used dried I cooked ½ of 1 lb. bag)
2 cans (15 ounces each) pork and beans 1.38
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained .69
Salt and Pepper to taste PI

PI (Pantry Item)
In a Dutch oven, saute the onions, bacon and garlic until onions are tender.

Add the brown sugar, vinegar and mustard; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Stir in beans. Transfer to a large baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 to 1/12 hours or until heated through and beans are tender.

Total Cost: $4.95 (.41 a serving)

**Cook's Note-Lima Beans can also be labeled butter beans.

Easy Mexican Dip

Ok everyone, if you gave me this recipe please fess up!  I don't know where it came from, I found it scribbled onto a piece of paper, shoved into a purse that I dug out of my closet from last year, but I am so glad I found it! This dip is EASY, TASTY, VERSATILE and SIMPLE!  Change the cheese and type of salsa to suit your taste. A great dish to take to get togethers, but if there is a large crowd I suggest making double it goes fast! 

Easy Mexican Dip (Sorry No Photo again)
Recipe Source: I don't know...

1 pound ground sausage...use whatever you like best
1 package cream cheese
3/4 cup grated cheese (monteray jack or pepper jack is best)
1 jar (16 oz) salsa
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup fresh onion chopped
Tortilla Chips

Crumble and brown your sausage in a sautepan.  When almost done, add onion and garlic cooking until soft.  Add cream cheese, allowing the cheese to melt.  Add the grated cheese and salsa stirring to combine.  Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.

Total Cost: $4.59 (not too shabby for a potluck!)
Sausage $.50
Cream Cheese $1.00
Salsa $.50
Cheese $.50
Garlic and Onion $.10
Tortilla Chips $1.99 (Mine were free with a catalina)