4th of July Balsamic BBQ Baked Beans

Start a pot over medium high heat, adding in the bacon fat. Add in the onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan for a minute, then add in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, rosemary, cocoa powder, salt, paprika, and pepper. Mix well, and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.

Set a crock pot on high and add in the beans, vegetable mixture, water, and beer. Cook the beans for 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until tender. If you don’t have a crock pot, you can simmer the beans in a stock pot, on low heat, until tender.