Highlights

Close

Reebok

Members save on online purchases
and at Reebok
Outlet Stores

Brain Health & Staying Sharp

Watch AARP Live 6/20 at 10 PM ET

Tickets Icon

Tickets From Live Nation

4 for the price of 3

Technical Icon

Spanish Preferred?

Visit aarp.org/espanol

Find Your Perfect Path to Retirement

You could
win $50,000

Contests and
Sweeps

You Could Win $50,000!

Plus you’ll get free tips and tools to help you find your 
perfect path to retirement
See official rules.

Most Popular
Articles

Viewed

Recommended

Commented

Cider Baked Beans

Cookstr
  • Course: Main Course
  • Total Time: Half Day
  • Skill Level: Easy
  • Cost: Moderate
    • Print
    • Recommend
    cider-baked-beans

    Photo by: Mark Shapiro

    If, like me, you often have small quantities of several varieties of dried beans in your pantry, here is a great way to use them up. For a festive presentation, add the bread crumb or caramelized apple topping. I like to serve this with a salad of shredded carrots and steamed brown bread.

    Yield: Serves 8

    INGREDIENTS
    • 2 cups (500 ml) assorted dried beans
    • 2 onions, finely chopped
    • 3 stalks celery, peeled and thinly sliced
    • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
    • 2 large parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tsp (10ml) chili powder
    • 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
    • 1 tsp (5 ml) cracked black peppercorns
    • 4 whole cloves
    • 1 cinnamon stick piece, about 2 inches (5 cm)
    • 1 cup (250 ml) apple cider or juice
    • 1 cup (250 ml) water
    • ½ cup (125 ml) maple syrup
    • 2 tbsp (25 ml) cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tbsp (25 mL) cold water

    Directions

    1. Soak beans according to either method in Basic Beans. Drain and rinse and set aside.

    2. In slow cooker stoneware, combine beans, onions, celery, carrots, parsnips, garlic, chili powder, salt, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, apple cider, water and maple syrup. Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours or on High for 5 to 6 hours, until beans are tender.

    3. In a bowl, combine dissolved cornstarch with 2 tbsp (25 mL) hot cooking liquid from beans and stir until smooth. Gradually add up to ¼ cup (50 mL) hot bean liquid, stirring until mixture is smooth. Return mixture to stoneware and stir well until sauce thickens.

    Variations:

    Cider Baked Beans with Bread Crumb Topping:

    Preheat broiler. After beans are cooked, ladle them into individual heatproof tureens or a baking dish. In a bowl, combine 1 cup (250 mL) dry bread crumbs with ¼ cup (50 mL) each melted butter and finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle over beans and place under broiler until topping is lightly browned and beans are bubbling.

    Cider Baked Beans with Caramelized Apples:

    Thanks to Cinda Chavich for this idea. When beans are almost cooked, peel and core 4 apples, then slice them vertically into thin slices. In a skillet, over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter. Add ¼ cup (50 mL) brown sugar and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Add apple slices and stir to coat with sugar mixture. Add ¼ cup (50 mL) rum. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, turning, until the liquid evaporates and the apples are tender. Arrange apple slices on top of beans, cover and cook on High for 1 hour.

    Notes

    Make ahead: To manage your time most effectively when making this dish, soak the dried beans overnight. Chop and peel the onions, celery, carrots, parsnips and garlic the night before you plan to cook. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Measure the dried spices and cover. Combine apple cider, water and maple syrup in a 4-cup (1 L) measure. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, drain and rinse the beans and proceed with the recipe.


    © 2004 Judith Finlayson
    NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

    Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

    127kcal (6%)
    55mg (5%)
    26mg (43%)
    141mcg RAE (5%)
    396mg
    31mg
    3g
    18g
    3g
    30g
    0mg (0%)
    330mg (14%)
    0g (1%)
    1g (1%)
    1mg (6%)
    FROM THE KITCHEN OF...

    Discounts & Benefits

    From companies that meet the high standards of service and quality set by AARP.

    Dunkin Donuts

    Members can get a FREE Donut with purchase of a L or XL beverage at Dunkin’ Donuts.

    Carrabas

    Members save 10% on Wednesdays when dining at Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

    Cereal

    Members can download new coupon offers available monthly from Kellogg's

    Member Benefits

    Members receive exclusive member benefits & affect social change. Join Today

    Featured
    Groups

    Love to Cook

    Compare family recipes for Strawberry Shortcake and other summer favorites. Discuss

    Health Nuts - AARP community group

    Health Nuts

    Get into a healthy state of mind with heart-smart recipes, fitness tips, stress relievers, and more. Discuss