Alton Brown’s Baked Beans

1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or mild) 1 large onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 2 large (28 oz.) cans pork & beans, partially drained

1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. instant coffee 1 tsp. hot sauce 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place large skillet over medium heat. Squeeze sausage from casings (if applicable). Place in pan and break up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until sausage crumbles and bottom of pan is covered with rendered fat. Meanwhile, combine the last 7 ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Remove sausage with slotted spoon. Add onion and pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat until softened, 8–10 minutes. Use slotted spoon to move onion/pepper mixture to a 9x13 baking dish. Stir in sausage, beans, onion/pepper mixture, and mixed sauce. Combine thoroughly. Bake 1 hour then cool another half hour before serving. Serves 8–10.