Apple Bean Bake

Those of you who follow my blog regularly have probably figured out by now that I am not a fruit lover. I can handle an occasional banana (unripe, of course) and I'll eat a strawberry or two when they're in season, but for the most part I find fruits too sweet. Therefore my mission lately has been to hide fruits in savory recipes in the same manner as those people who hide vegetables in recipes for those who aren't all that fond of veggies. And I'm getting better at it! Last week I ate two entire apples because they were hidden in this apple-bean bake. I realize that two apples isn't enough fruit for a full week's supply of fruit, but hey, it's a start.

A few notes before we start. You may ask why I fried the turkey bacon in olive oil. Turkey bacon gives off great smoky flavor but renders very little fat, so by frying the turkey bacon in olive oil, I not only acquired the smokey flavor I was going for, I was also able to use the leftover olive oil to saute the onions, apples and garlic. Smart cookie, I yam.

Apple Bean Bake

4 slices turkey bacon, diced
2 TBSP olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tart apples, peeled, diced (about 4 cups)
salt and pepper
dash of crushed red pepper flakes
2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 TBSP tomato paste
1-2 tsp chipotle in adobo sauce (I puree mine in the food processor)
1/4 cup brown sugar Splenda (or 1/2 cup regular brown sugar)
1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

In skillet, heat olive oil and add diced bacon. Fry until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon to a paper towel. Set aside.

To the skillet, add the onions, apples and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, cinnamon and oregano. Saute until onions and apples have softened, 7-8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar and worchestershire sauce. Combine well and saute for another minute or two and then add in the drained beans and reserved bacon. Save a tablespoon or so of the bacon for garnish, if desired.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour mixture into casserole dish. Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.