Beanie Weenies

This is about as simple as it gets. In fact, I nearly decided not to post it because it is so easy. It's pretty basic, survival fare. It's one of those recipes that you can change to suit your own tastes.

Beanie Weenies

1 can beans, any type or flavor
2 - 4 hot dog weiners cut up (optional, can substitute)
assorted vegetables such as onions, celery, bell peppers, hot peppers, etc., chopped or sliced
shredded cheese, about 1/4 cup OR LESS (optional)
mustard, 1 - 2 tablespoons (optional)
ketchup 1 - 2 tablespoons (optional)
picante sauce (Real Texans only use Pace!) (optional)
salt (optional)
pepper (optional)
garlic powder (optional)
parsley (optional)

You can use any combination of the above, or use totally different items. I usually use all of the ingredients, depending on what I have on hand. That's the beauty of this recipe - you can use whatever you have on hand and there really is no wrong way to make it. This is also one of those "measurements don't happen here" recipes.

Combine all ingredients into a sauce pan, turn on the heat and stir until it's warm enough for you. If you are using cheese, it's probably best to heat it enough so that the cheese melts because it will be stringy otherwise. I've also used chopped up lunch meat and/or ham in place of (or with) the hot dogs.

I usually used baked beans for this, but it works with chili beans, pork & beans, just about any canned beans. Ranch style beans work great. The beans don't need to be drained. Just dump the can into the sauce pan.

There is a reason why (optional) is after each ingredient except for the beans - experiment and have fun with this one. It's fun to get the kids involved in this one, it's an easy one to start teaching youngsters to cook.

Serve it with whatever sounds good: tortillas, chips, crackers. It's a good cold-weather meal. It's one that Bill loves, although I don't make it too often. He'd probably eat it every day if he could.