Walnut Baked Beans

Directions

1. 1
   In a large skillet or a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels.
2. 2
   Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
3. 3
   Saute the onion in the bacon drippings over medium heat until it softens, about 3 minutes.
4. 4
   Add the minced garlic and chili powder and saute for another minute.
5. 5
   Crumble the bacon, and stir it into the onion-garlic mixture along with the baked beans and barbecue sauce.
6. 6
   Cook over medium heat until the mixture simmers.
7. 7
   If using a Dutch oven, top the beans with an even layer of walnuts.
8. 8
   Otherwise, pour the beans from the skillet into a greased 17 by 12-inch ovenproof casserole and top with nuts.
9. 9
   Bake, uncovered, until the beans are hot and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
10. 10
    Serve the beans hot or at room temperature.
11. 11
    Assemble and cook the beans without baking up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
12. 12
    Sprinkle on the walnuts and bake the day you plan to serve.
13. 13
    When I dont feel like making my own barbecue sauce, I turn to Stubbs Original Bar-B-Q Sauce, a tried-and-true Texas brand available across the country.