Grandma Janell's Baked Beans

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I've been doing a lot of thinking about holidays of past, and my grandma is where my thoughts have landed mostly. My grandma was a giver. She lived her life helping others. She had a strong love for Jesus, and I think she tried to follow in His footsteps to the best of her ability. There aren't too many childhood memories that I have that don't involve my Grandma Janell, and when she passed away a few years ago, many people would tell me that they thought she was THEIR grandma when they were little because she was always doing for them too! She never slowed down. When she wasn't babysitting us kids, she was teaching the Sunday School class or tearing up the rummage sales trying to find good deals for needy people. She drove the JJR bus to transport handicapped children to and from school. I would ride along with her some days and I remember the special needs children always laughing and having a great time on the way to school. I once asked her what "JJR" stood for, and she said "Jolly Joy Ride!" Something tells me she was pulling my leg, but I like to think JJR can't stand for anything better, because she definitely made those rides full of joy for the kids!

Grandma always hosted Thanksgiving dinner, and for most families, the turkey is the star of the show. But for us, we always looked forward to her baked beans! When she got older and hosting was too much for her, my mom took over Thanksgiving duties and always made sure the baked beans were front and center of the meal. Over the years we have invited many friends to our holiday dinners and the first thing they always ask is "Is your mom making those beans!?" They are kind of famous around these parts :)

Stuffing my face, but still gotta stick close to the big bowl of baked beans!

Cleaning up, with a little baked bean belly poking out :)

We are going to be guests at my in-laws for Thanksgiving this year, so I'll be bringing along a side of Grandma Janell's baked beans. Not only to get my bean fix, but to feel grandma is there is spirit, celebrating the holiday with us too.

Grandma Janell's Baked Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cans Campbell's Pork & Beans, drained
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
8 slices bacon, cut in half

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl combine all ingredients.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours.

What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Does your family have any recipes that have been passed down through the generations?