Fried Plantains (Margaret Appiah)

Ingredients:

1 quart oil for frying

2 firm plantains (yellow)

a pinch of black pepper, salt, and powdered ginger

Directions:

Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat.

Peel the plantains and cut them in half. Slice halves into thin pieces.

Mix pieces with pepper, salt, and ginger.

Fry the pieces 5-6 slicces at a time (depending on your pan) until browned and tender.

Old Fashioned Baked Beans (Kristee Watts)

Ingredients:

1 pound bacon, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup chopped onion
3 (15 oz) cans pork and beans
1 Tablespoon mustard
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons vinegar
½ cup ketchup

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a 2 ½ or 3 quart casserole dish. Bake at 325 for 2 hours or 200 for 6 hours. Can be made ahead and reheated in the microwave or even frozen ahead for convenience. This dish also works well in a slow cooker.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Notes:
I make this with 2 cans pork and beans, 1 can kidney beans and 1 can black beans with no brown sugar.
It works best simmered for 6 hours in a slow cooker.