You home will smell unbelievable while these beans “bake” in your slow cooker. The tangy-sweet aroma will waft through the air, tempting your taste buds to sneak a taste before they’re even done. And by all means, take as many taste tests as you please. Just make sure no one is looking when you do!

This is a simple, summery dish that is light and perfect for hot nights. You could also use sliced ham instead of the bacon, but I prefer the crispy texture that the bacon provides. The dressing in this recipe is light. If you prefer more dressing on your pasta, double the ingredients.

For my birthday, my boyfriend got me the book “Ratio:The Simple Codes Behind The Craft of Everyday Cooking”. The author, Michael Ruhlman, lists his suggestion for the perfect ratio for quick breads, which including pancakes. Since learning the ratio, I’ve been experimenting non-stop with pancakes nearly every morning for breakfast since I got the book. This recipe is one of my favorites.