So what's the diff?

jbarter · Post by **jbarter** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:11 am

So as not to threadjack elsewhere I shall ask the burning question of the day right here.

What's the difference between UK and US baked beans?

Martin Milner · Post by **Martin Milner** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:30 am

I'm surry to admit it but US beans come in a better sauce. I think it involves brown sugar or molasses.

Once you've tasted it, the UK variety of orangey goo just isn't quite the thing anymore.

but I still had b on t last night!

avanutria · Post by **avanutria** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:43 am

I can explain UK beans in American terms and then maybe someone else can help explain US beans. Brown sugar and molasses are both in US beans I think.

My American brethren - You know the tomato sauce in canned pasta like Spaghetti-os? That's what baked beans come in here - always that slightly funny-tasting tomato sauce. I have searched high and low with no luck in finding anything else. No "pork 'n beans" either though I did find some with chicken nuggets in the tin with the beans.

http://p.vtourist.com/2298798-Travel_Pi ... _Beans.jpg

I.D.10-t · Post by **I.D.10-t** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:51 am

I am glad he didn’t ask about Boston baked beans

Flyingcursor · Post by **Flyingcursor** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:52 am

I think this is a job for Walden. He seems to know these things.

However essentially our version of baked beans are slow baked with molasses and/or brown sugar. Some like to put strips of bacon over the top but that's not necessary. This is what you'd call Boston Baked Beans.

If you don't mind lots of pop-ups you can find out more at: http://www.beanbible.com

GaryKelly · Post by **GaryKelly** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:03 am

No "pork 'n beans" is true... we have entire sausages in our baked beans, not miserable tiny bits of underdone bacon.

I've had various varieties of US baked beans, but I have to say I do prefer the Heinz brand here in the UK. Although, I am somewhat partial to HP's "Full Monty", which is baked beans with sausages mushrooms potatos steaklets and salami. Very yummy.

Flyingcursor · Post by **Flyingcursor** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:41 am

Few people know about the final war between England and the US. In 1826 British sailors brought red sauce beans into Boston harbor. The US responded with immediate molasses beans. Fearing for the safety of their ship the British sailors began eating cabbage as well. After two days the resulting stink brought a quick armistice. Both sides then got rip roaring drunk and went to sleep. Boston was saved.

Screeeech!!! · Post by **Screeeech!!!** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:29 am

Heinz baked beans are really nice if you fry them.

Heat a decent amount of oil in a large saucepan and tip a whole tin of baked beans in it. Cook on high heat until the oil merges with the tomato sauce.

Yummy stuff!

Joseph E. Smith · Post by **Joseph E. Smith** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:30 am

Screeeech!!! wrote:Heinz baked beans are really nice if you fry them.

Heat a decent amount of oil in a large saucepan and tip a whole tin of baked beans in it. Cook on high heat until the oil merges with the tomato sauce.

Yummy stuff!

Yes, one of my favorite ways to clog my arteries!

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:40 am

US baked bean sauces vary quite a bit. The sauce I make is of the traditional New England (aka Boston) style. It includes some sort of tomato (paste or puree), mustard, molasses, sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire. You can do a non-veggie version and put some salt pork/fat back/bacon in it. Mix it with a bunch of navy or other small beans, put it in the oven, and bake at 250F/120C for 6-8 hours.

emmline · Post by **emmline** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:02 am

The best ever: a recipe I adapted from my mother-in-law's heavy on the bacon and beef version.

It contains several varieties of beans--kidney, pinto, and navy or somesuch, brown sugar, molasses (a little), sauteed onions, hint of mustard, splash of ketchup, bit of pepper, and some SmartBacon(veg) and veggie burger crumbles all baked in a casserole. Very good.

izzarina · Post by **izzarina** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:47 am

avanutria wrote:My American brethren - You know the tomato sauce in canned pasta like Spaghetti-os? That's what baked beans come in here - always that slightly funny-tasting tomato sauce.

EEWWWWW!!! No wonder you're suffering!

Next time they are on sale, I'll have to find out postage and send you a couple of cans

djm · Post by **djm** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:59 am

Can you not get a hold of navy (white) beans and make your own there? Ours were always made using the water left over from boiling a ham. Molasses to flavour. One homemade type I had was flavoured using regular mustard. Excellent.

I'm not sure why people would draw back in horror to hear that the English version would be tomato-sauce flavoured. The first thing people around here do is dump ketchup all over their beans, so what's the difference?

djm

Screeeech!!! · Post by **Screeeech!!!** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:01 am

Joseph E. Smith wrote:Yes, one of my favorite ways to clog my arteries!

Absolutely! It's a short life so we might as well enjoy our beans and die of something worthwhile.

I remember when i was at university in the 90's and all the major super markets had a baked bean price war. My local shop had them down to 3 pence a 14 oz can.

The oil sure seemed expensive in comparison.

Great food for poor students though.

avanutria · Post by **avanutria** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:12 am

Hey Izzy, interested in setting up a Bush's Beans / Green & Black Chocolate exchange programme?

Email me!