Sweet Cottage Dreams

Time really has a way of slipping away and it has already been one year since we were the July 2007 Cottage Of The Month at The Old Painted Cottage. I know that so many of you know the infamous QUEEN of Cottage Style, Miss Jennifer, and if you don't then you need to take a moment and discover her beautiful site here. Jennifer has lovingly created and presented the above award for all of us gals who have been so richly blessed to have been chosen for COTM. Jennifer, my heart sings with joy and I am so honored to receive this precious award from you. Thank you, thank you - sweet, sweet friend!!!! ((((hugs to you for all you have done for me)))) Because of Jennifer, so many doors have opened for friendships I would have never known had it not been for her. Another door opened when I began my blog shortly there after. All of you mean so very much to me. Even if I don't make it around to visit you, just know that you are in my heart and thoughts. Each of you are such joys and do bring sunshine to my days, a smile to my face and, admittingly enough, the occasional tears.
From my home to yours, have a blessed 4th and please continue the prayers for those who courageously fight for our freedom. God Bless America - and also those friends who live elsewhere in the world.

Are you in need of a good bean recipe for the 4th? Well, this is tried and true and you will get many compliments - trust me. Just be sure to have extra copies of the recipe to hand out to those asking how you make it! ;) It is super easy and DE-LICIOUS!

Baked Beans

1/2 to 1 pound ground round

1/2 pound chopped bacon (cook bacon first and then chop)

1 red onion - chopped

Brown ground round with onion and then add the bacon.

Add 1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup white sugar

1/4 cup catsup

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (any brand will do)

2 TBSP dried mustard

2 TBSP molasses

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 Large can (1 lb and 14 oz) pork and beans (including the liquid)

1 Large can (14-1/4 oz) red kidney beans, DRAINED

1 Large can (15 oz) butter beans (white), DRAINED

Mix all together and pour into an oblong glass Pyrex dish and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. I cover the dish with foil first. Serve hot.

You can also cook the ground round and onion and place the mixture in a crock pot and then add the other ingredients to it. Cook on low heat for 4 hours and then on high for the last hour so they thicken up. The crock pot makes it easier to take to parties, too.

Enjoy and don't forget the BEANO! LOL.

xo