No-Bake "Baked Beans"

Baked Beans are definitely a comfort food. They are an American classic, after all! I think the "comfort" part has a lot to do with the fact that many of us associate eating baked  beans with happy times...at least I do anyway! When I think of baked beans, I think of family. Picnics, BBQs, holidays, warm weather, you get the point.
If you're trying to recreate your favorite baked beans recipe, the one that is deliciously sweet and sticky, with smooth, buttery white beans that melt in your mouth, THIS recipe delivers. All the flavor, all the fun, and all the memories.

Yummy Salad, featuring No-Bake "Baked Beans"

No-Bake "Baked Beans"; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one small serving.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup canned navy beans (or other white beans), rinsed and drained
2. 2 T no-salt added tomato paste
3. 2 tsp maple-flavored agave  nectar (maple syrup will work too)
4. 1 T apple cider vinegar

Method

1. In small soup pot, combine tomato paste, agave/maple syrup, and vinegar. Whisk together over medium heat until melty.
2. Add beans and stir well to thoroughly coat in sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
3. Serve! You can use these as a salad topped, as I did, or serve them in a toasted bun, as a side dish, or you can double/triple the recipe to make a full meal.