
It’s the quietest of mornings. Alone except for the rain and a couple of animals dozing near me and the only sound is my computer humming and the rain falling outside…
It’s a darn near perfect start to the week.
I’ve been talking a lot about being grateful lately and today is no exception. We had such a nice weekend that it’s hard not to feel thankful. Yep, I’m still sick (although definitely improving) and I still have loads of work ahead of me today and the rest of the week. I’m on my own with the girls this week, swimming lessons begin and we still have soccer and not much of a reprieve from cooking dinners or doing homework and cleaning and…yikes!! When I think of it that way I feel a little overwhelmed and not so much grateful :-)
But we’ll get ‘er done and we’ll make it through. And I can’t help but believe that if I have the right attitude it just might trickle down to the girls and make this a great week in spite of it all.
Yesterday was Mother’s Day and I was still sick. But I rallied and we hit Mimi’s Cafe for brunch (since I forgot to make reservations anywhere…doh!). It was pretty good. They had a special flight of Mimosa’s – regular, strawberry and hibiscus – which I was all over. Just because you’re not feeling well doesn’t mean you can’t have a champagne toast at 9am. Just sayin’.
Saturday was Kylie’s soccer game and I am the unofficial team photographer (as of Saturday ;) We had to be there early to take team pics then I took some shots during the game. Here’s one of Kylie that I especially love:

I really enjoyed getting some good shots of all our girls and can’t wait to share them with the other parents. We played a good game and just eeked out a win. The other team played a great game, too, which made it all the more fun to watch!
After the game, we headed over to my friend Beth’s for a post-soccer pool party. They have the most gorgeous plot of land with a beautiful pool that they generously share. Beth asked me to bring “the beans” – which, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, is code for the baked beans I’m sharing with you today.
They’re my favorite – and now only – baked beans recipe. They’re a couldn’t-be-easier recipe since you start with canned beans and just dress them up. Sweet yet spicy, soft and piping hot, they go perfectly with typical barbecue fare. It’s simple to adjust the spice depending on your crowd, too. This was the mildest I’ve ever made them (since the party was, after all, for the kids); there was little spice but still lots of smoke flavor.

Honey-Chipotle Baked Beans
A friend passed this recipe on to me years ago. I've tried finding its owner with no luck. If you happen to recognize it, please let me know! I've made some tweaks to the original and you're going to love it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup minced shallots or onion
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 chipotle chiles (from a can in adobo sauce - or just 1 chile with some adobo sauce, to taste)
- 2 28-oz cans baked beans, both drained of liquid from the top of the can after first opening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shallots; sauté 4 minutes or until golden. Add cumin and garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato puree and oil, and cook for 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add honey and the next 5 ingredients (through chiles). Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine beans and shallot mixture in a 2-quart baking dish. Bake at 300° for 1 hour or until thick and bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 279Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 786mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 9gSugar: 31gProtein: 11g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Gulden Draak for your summer barbecues! • The Wicked Noodle
Thursday 19th of May 2016
[…] Sauce for the ribs and cooked ’em low and slow on the grill. I’d also brought my Honey Chipotle Baked Beans because no barbecue is ever complete without them. My mom made her famous potato salad to round […]
The Vegan 8
Saturday 16th of May 2015
These look so delicious! I grew up eating baked beans and I just love the flavor. Your version looks so much healthier and full of flavor!
Kristy Bernardo
Sunday 17th of May 2015
These are SO GOOD. You will love them, TV8!
Don
Thursday 30th of August 2012
New here and will def try this. Will try 2tweet after I taste it!
the wicked noodle
Tuesday 4th of September 2012
Thanks Don!!
Living The Sweet Life
Thursday 17th of May 2012
mmmmmm ... thank goodness BBQ weather has arrived!! These beans will HAVE to be at our next cookout ;)
the wicked noodle
Thursday 17th of May 2012
I know! I'm so happy bbq weather is here!
Jenn and Seth (@HomeSkilletCook)
Wednesday 16th of May 2012
i'm generally not into baked beans but yours looks and sounds so delicious i reallly want to make them!
the wicked noodle
Wednesday 16th of May 2012
I'm with you - baked beans are never what ends up on my plate at a barbecue. But I do love these!