Family Recipe Friday: Aunt Rae's Brown Beans

Growing up, our family always had such fun Fourth of July parties. We usually gathered at my Uncle Jim and Aunt Bobbie's house in Livermore. They lived in a cul-de-sac that was perfect for lighting our own fireworks, and their wonderful neighbors always let us kids swim in their nice, cool swimming pool.

As with every family gathering, there was always too much delicious food, including grilled meats (burgers, hotdogs, tri-tip steaks -- you name it, our family likes meat), salads, desserts and beans. Today, I found my Great Aunt Rae's Brown Beans recipe, and think it would be perfect for a July 4th picnic or barbecue!

Aunt Rae on Chee Chee

Rae's Brown Beans

3 pounds pink beans, cleaned & rinsed
2 1/2 large yellow onions, diced
2 pounds slab bacon
1 large head of garlic
3 8-oz. cans tomato sauce
1 1/2 gallons water
5 tsp salt
3/4 Tbls pepper
3 tsp Crystal hot sauce
9 oz. Rosa Rita chunky salsa, mild or medium

Clean and rinse beans. Cut bacon into 1-inch squares, down to the rind but not all the way through. Add all of the above ingredients to large pot with lid. Bring to a light boil, cover and simmer for 2 hours. Check and add water if needed, and check for doneness. Keep lid ajar when not serving.

Serves about 36.

 

 Happy Fourth of July!!