Bunkhouse Beans (formerly nameless hotdog recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salsa
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 5 hot dogs, halved lengthwise and sliced [we cut these up very small instead for the boys]
• 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) pork and beans, drained [I did not drain them since I was a little low on bbq sauce. I also used baked beans.]
• 1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, undrained
• 1 can (16 ounces) butter beans or lima beans, rinsed and drained

Directions: In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Stir in the beans; pour into an ungreased 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Overall rating (graded on 5 star scale):

• Simplicity: 5
• Taste: 4.5
• Nutrition: 3

Total rating: 4.25 stars

Wendi's report: Well this wasn't one of the recipes I was going to do first, but I can't figure out how to do the tuna cakes with the egg issues, and the other one was a crock pot recipe that I need to start in the morning. So I started looking through recipes and realized I had all the ingredients for this one. So I, literally, threw it together. Firstly, it was incredibly easy. No exact measurements needed. It's beenie weenies. You can't mess that up. While it wasn't the most healthy of recipes (sugar and bbq sauce), it was a HIT! Not only did JB and I really enjoy it, but the boys DEVOURED it! Both of them! Honestly, I am not sure this has EVER happened. Elijah eats everything, but Isaac doesn't give something time if it doesn't attract him instantly. He loves hot dogs though so this was perfect for him.

I told JB that there has to be a mix between just making perfectly healthy recipes, and making something that isn't the most healthy but still exposes them to different flavors. I will DEFINITELY make this again. So easy! And so loved! The only problem? It made a huge mess. But since the boys were due for baths anyways, it was no problem.

Here are some pictures. Right now, this recipe is in the lead to win the contest. It's still early, but good job whoever submitted this one.

All righty. Let's see what we got here tonight. Not so sure about this. (Note "Bubby" in the background who could not participate in this meal due to the abundance of mess.)

Oh my goodness! This has to be the best thing you have ever made Mom!

For some reason, both boys seemed it necessary to put the beans in their hair.

Copying big brother.

Elijah has recently discovered his tongue. If you ask him where his tongue is, he instantly sticks it out. It's way cute. Even when he's a total mess from his dinner.

Really excited about the good dinner! Even Elijah, who is always impressed by food, seemed extra impressed tonight.

Lovin' his bunkhouse beans!

"Ummmm . . . mas (more) hot dogs pease"