HELOISE Bootlegger's Beans recipe is favorite

Dear Friends: One of my mother's tried-and-true recipes is the one for Bootlegger's Beans -- a reader favorite and one that is requested a lot. Here is her original column that was printed in The Indianapolis Star on Sunday, Feb. 17, 1963:
"Only once every three or four months do we publish a recipe which has been tried and true, tested and loved! Here is one called Bootlegger's Beans. It's cheap, it's quick and it's delish!
"Dice three strips of bacon and fry. When about half done, add a small chopped onion. When the onion is slightly browned, pour off most of the grease and add one can of pork and beans in tomato sauce, one tablespoon of brown sugar, two tablespoons of vinegar, two tablespoons of ketchup, stir well and cover. Let simmer for at least 30 minutes.
"This is far better when simmered or baked for two hours in your oven. It may be varied by using canned chili beans instead of pork and beans.
"These two kinds of beans make completely different dishes! I added a little chili powder one day to the pork and beans recipe, and it was hot and tangy.
"This is wonderful when mixed all together on top of the stove, poured in a greased casserole dish and baked in the oven."
P.S. This is where I learned about "pantry cooking" and adding to canned beans, veggies, soups, etc. Throw in some spices, fresh herbs or even diced tomatoes to enhance the dish. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I just finished reading in your column about how to cut fat and calories from a Mexican meal. Most establishments serve some kind of broth-based soup, usually called tortilla soup. Start your meal with a cup, or even a bowl, of soup to keep your paws out of the chip basket (in fact, to avoid the temptation altogether, have it removed, or sit far away from it).
Then follow with a chicken dish instead of beef to cut fat and calories (unless your favorite place uses only lean cuts of beef). If you like enchiladas, ask the chef to use half the normal amount of cheese (if they aren't already made up -- Heloise). And, as you mentioned, avoid the sour cream (or limit yourself to a small dollop). You could also try dishes with seafood, such as shrimp fajitas, to keep fat at bay. Annmarie Ferry, Estero, Fla.
Being a Tex-Mex lover myself, your healthy hints are sure to help others who need a Mexican-food fix but want to watch some calories. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here's a hint that helps prevent messes and/or spills: When cooking, remove the label from a can or jar to be recycled prior to opening it! I stained clothing and had to wipe up countertops and flooring before I realized that removing the label first would be the smarter thing to do. Karen Eriksen, Bloomfield, N.J.
King Features Syndicate