Faux Baked Beans

Faux Baked Beans
one can (540mL) mixed beans (includes red kidney beans, white kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, romano beans, baby lima beans)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
10 large dates, chopped
2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 Tablespoon blackstrap molasses
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together, taste, and adjust seasonings. The beans are now ready as is, but if you would like to eat them warm, gently warm them in a saucepan or in the microwave. Store in the fridge, flavors will blend and be better the next day, the beans can even be eaten cold. Makes two hearty servings, serve with some whole grain toast.

This is a fake baked bean recipe, much quicker and easier to make than the traditional version, but quite a tasty alternative. This is a vegetarian version, but bacon or wieners could be added if desired.