Absolutely Rockin' Baked Beans

We had two grandsons graduate this year, and my contribution to each party was different. For the first, I was in charge of things to dip in a chocolate fountain. I picked up delicious huge succulent strawberries at Sams, bought marshmallows and ordered an incredible Mexican cake from The International Bakery. The chocolate fountain table was a gathering place for all!

For the second, I was assigned baked beans for 100. There were closer to 150 who attended, and these beans were a smashing success. Trust me, next time you feed a crowd, try these!

Absolutely Rockin' Baked Beans 
4 (four)  7lb cans pork 'n beans
24 thick slices slab bacon (I used maple, but hickory would be good too)
5 medium onions, chopped small
4 cups barbecue sauce (I used Hunts original)
3 cups dark brown sugar
1 & 1/2 cups cider vinegar
3/4 cup dijon mustard

Spray the liner of your electric roaster. (Borrow one of you have to.)
Cut the bacon slices into thirds.
In a large skillet fry the bacon, but don't cook it crisp.
Reserve all the drippings.
Use enough of the drippings to cover the bottom of the skillet and saute the onions until golden.
Place barbecue sauce, vinegar, mustard and brown sugar in the bottom of a roaster.
Drain the liquid from two of the cans of beans.  Add beans.
Add the onions.
Add the remaining bacon drippings.
Mix well.
Place all the bacon on top.
Cover and set at 350. Cook for two or three hours, with liquid bubbling.
Reduce heat and keep hot on a lower temperature.

We kept these warm for a five hour open house and they never got mushy.