BAKED BEANS MILANO

Ingredients:

• 3 #2½ cans pork and beans
• 3 large onions, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh green onions, chopped
• 3 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 hot peppers, chopped
• 6 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 heaping Tbsp. mustard
• 2 heaping Tbsp. brown sugar syrup or molasses
• 1 can applesauce or 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 can tomato paste
• ¾ cup tomato juice
• 1 lb. sharp cheese, cubed
• Seasoned salt and pepper
• Ham cubes (optional)
• Bacon strips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. In a casserole dish or bean pot, combine all ingredients except bacon and top with bacon strips.
3. Bake for 4 hours, ensuring the dish doesn’t dry out. For faster cooking, sauté vegetables first and bake for 2 hours.
4. Let juices thicken slightly upon removal from the oven.
5. Serves 12-15.