Barbecue Bake Beans

This recipe, modified from Jane Butel’s cookbook, Barbecue, is sweet and tangy,  It's also one of the oldest reciepies in this collection yet it's never been modified or updated - that says a lot about how good it is. A terrific side dish at any barbecue this draws raves from everyone.  This recipe is also very forgiving with respect to quantities of ingredients and time in the oven.

4 slices	bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
1 cup	onion, diced
3 cloves	garlic, minced
2-28 ounce cans	baked beans (Bush's or Friend's are both good)
¾ cup	Ketchup
½ cup	dark brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon	mustard powder
2 tablespoons	chile powder

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a heavy skillet, sauté the bacon strips over medium-high heat until crisp. Add the onion and garlic, and continue cooking until the onion is transparent, but not browned, about 4-5 minutes.

Transfer the bacon, onion and accumulated fat to a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and combine well. Pour the mixture into an ungreased 2-quart baking dish and bake, uncovered, for 2 hours.