Monday, June 1, 2026

Potluck Beans #giveaway and #recipe #Father's Day @Kim Davis

 




KIM DAVIS: With summer and Father's Day right around the corner, casual gatherings for barbecues and/or potlucks are starting up. A dear friend of mine, Janet, always served these Potluck Beans as a side dish to the grilled meat whenever she hosted a get together. The dish quickly became a favorite of mine and I immediately begged for the recipe. She graciously shared it with me (which I adapted to suit my tastes, i.e. ground turkey instead of beef, and bacon limited to garnish instead of a pound cooked with the beans) and since my family enjoyed it so much, I often serve it as a main course, especially during chilly winter months. What I especially like is the ease of making this dish. It relies on canned beans along with a few other staples. Once the turkey (or beef) is cooked through, and the beans come to a simmer for a short time, the dish is done and ready to serve giving you time to enjoy your family and friends! 

Be sure to scroll all the way down to find out how to win a copy of Essentials of Death



Potluck Beans
 
Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3-pound can pork & beans (or 2 large cans Bush’s Baked Beans)*
1-pound can chili beans
1-pound can cannellini beans, drained
1-pound can red kidney beans, drained
1-pound can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper




Suggested toppings (not shown in photo)
Cooked and crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions
Pickled jalapeรฑo rings
Sliced black olives

Instructions
In a large soup pot, cook the ground meat with the diced onions until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the liquid/fat and discard.





Add the remaining ingredients, stirring well to combine. 





Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve with your choice of toppings and cornbread.





Notes
*If you must eat gluten-free, I recommend substituting Bush’s Baked Beans. Their large cans are 1 pound, 12-ounces. It’s fine to use 2 full cans.

For gatherings, you can keep the Potluck Beans warm in a crockpot for easy serving.





๐Ÿ’• Click here for a free printable PDF of the recipe!๐Ÿ’•









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About the Author:

Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series, and the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series. She has also written several children’s nature articles published in a variety of magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on blogs, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

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Connect with Kim: FacebookPinterestInstagramBlueskyBookbubGoodreadsTikTok, and website

 


I'm celebrating my new release today!




While this isn't a copy mystery, I'm celebrating the release today for my middle grade fantasy book, The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom, the first book in The Board Game Chronicles! Suitable for ages 7 to 11. If you have kids or grandkids who needs to do some reading over the summer, please check it out. It's free on Kindle Unlimited, and ebook and print versions available on Amazon. Print is available on Barnes and Noble as well.

What it's about: 
Amber Addison is fed up with her kindergartener sister. It’s Ava’s fault she’s missing her best friend’s birthday party, the most anticipated event in their sixth-grade class. To make matters worse, Ava has coerced her into playing Sweet Treats board game and she keeps losing to a five-year-old. When Amber’s irritation gets the best of her, she throws the game, destroying it.

As the board disintegrates, the two girls are swept into a swirling vortex and they find themselves in the middle of Sweet Treats kingdom. Ava is kidnapped by an evil queen, and Amber finds herself relying on a mint-green rabbit to help her find her way to Bonbon Castle with the hope of finding her sister. Along the way, she encounters more sweets than she could ever eat along with fantastical beings. Some will become her friend and others create danger that she must survive in order to save her sister and find their way home.

A fun recipe is included

Purchase Amazon ebook or read for free on Kindle Unlimited: HERE
Purchase Amazon print:  HERE
Purchase Barnes & Noble print: HERE



G I V E A W A Y   T I M E !!!





I'm giving away a copy of Essentials of Death, your choice of format: print, ebook, or audiobook.

Comment below and include your email (yourname at yourserver dot com) for a chance to win a copy of Essentials of Death. (Contest ends 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Print and ebook limited to US residents; audiobook is available for everyone.)


Readers, do you have a favorite side dish you make for barbecues or potlucks?



84 comments:

  1. My favorite side dish at a barbeque is a refreshing fruit salad
    don.stewart@zoominternet.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always head for the fruit salad, Crystal, and often go back for seconds if there's any leftovers!

      Delete
  2. Congratulations on the release of THE SECRET OF SWEET TREATS KINGDOM! I know it will be a great success. ๐Ÿ˜Š

    Thank you for the Potluck Beans recipe. Sounds delicious and I think I could smell it while reading the recipe. I know it will be a great hit here. I can definitely see where it could be a side or the main course.

    Our sides for barbecues can vary greatly depending on the main course and whims. For potlucks, my go to and most recommended dish is the Green Bean & Shoepeg Corn Casserole. It’s not your typical green bean casserole and I’m very often asked for the recipe. So much so that when I take the dish somewhere, I go ahead and print of a recipe or two to carry with me. ๐Ÿ˜Š

    Not entering the contest since I’ve been blessed to have already read this fabulous FIVE STAR book.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kay! I haven't heard of a Green Bean and Shoepeg Corn Casserole but if it's one of your favs then I know it would be delicious!

      Delete
    2. Green Bean & Shoepeg Corn Casserole
      Ingredients
      1 can French style green beans - drained
      1 can White shoepeg whole kernel corn - drained
      1 can Cream of celery soup
      1 ½ cup Grated cheddar cheese
      ½ cup Sour cream
      ½ cup Onion - chopped
      1 can Water chestnuts, chopped finely
      For Topping:
      1 roll Ritz crackers, crumbled - rolls are smaller now - use a bit more
      1 stick Butter – melted
      Directions
      Place the green beans into casserole dish.
      Top with the shoepeg corn.
      Mix all other ingredients except for the toppings. Pour on top of the corn layer.
      Mix the cracker crumbs and melted butter together and the top the casserole with the mixture,
      Bake uncovered for 40 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

      Delete
  3. I do make beans for potlucks. Also, sliced cold watermelon is another dish I like to bring to potlucks. Thank you for your recipe - it sounds like a must try! If I am the winner i would like the print copy please.
    madamhawk at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cold watermelon is the perfect fruit on a hot summer day! Plus it appeals to every age group from the toddler to the grandparents!

      Delete
    2. I love watermelon! But, unfortunately, nobody else in my home loves it, too. So, I pay more for a smaller piece so I don't throw out most of it :(

      Delete
  4. During the summer I make yummy and refreshing bruschetta. This has been a favorite every year. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bruschetta is such a great appetizer, especially when made with homegrown tomatoes! Yum!

      Delete
  5. Thank you for the chance to win AlAm22@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like to make a pasta salad.
    ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like how versatile pasta salad can be, Anita, which makes it a great side dish to share!

      Delete
  7. pasta salad pmr3956 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds delicious and is always a barbecue side dish favorite!

      Delete
  8. One of my favorite sides to make for picnics is a marinated vegie salad. Easy to make, take and customize to match what your family likes. I usually use hard vegies, like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet peppers as they hold up well and absorb the vinaigrette well (plus it can sit out for awhile without needing refrigeration.) I make it a day or two ahead and let it sit in the fridge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like the perfect side dish, Marcia, and healthy too! I really worry about mayo-based salads and sitting out too long in the heat.

      Delete
  9. My favorite side dish at summertime cookouts is potato salad!!
    baker.sally1969@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a super popular side dish, Sally! And I like how there are so many different variations to suit people's taste.

      Delete
  10. Something I used to like to make, for potlucks is a dessert called Hot Fudge Sundae Cake. Or barbecues, my favorite side to make was, tuna salad cones. johnlong83@rocketmail.com . I prefer print books, please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness... Hot Fudge Sundae Cake sounds absolutely fabulous! I'll bet there's never any left over at the end of the potluck!

      Delete
  11. donnardobbs@aol.comJune 1, 2026 at 10:16 AM

    Congratulations ๐Ÿ‘ I love pasta salad. Or potato salad!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Pasta and/or potato salads are definitely staple side dishes at our potlucks!

      Delete
  12. Brownies are my go-to for picnics. Easy to make ahead on a busy schedule. margaretpawloski@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes please to brownies! I don't think I've ever attended a potluck or picnic where there wasn't at least one plate of brownies, thankfully!

      Delete
  13. I highly commend your use of Bush's Beans in your recipe. They are fabulous products. If you are ever in Pigeon Forge, TN be sure to visit Chestnut Hill, TN where Bush's Beans are made. They have a nice museum, cafe, and gift shop and Visitor's Center. I love baked beans as a cookout side. I also like baked whole onions. Just peel the onion and cut off the top. Sprinkle seasonings on the onion and top with a pat of butter. Cook until onion is cooked through.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the recommendation for Bush's Beans museum, cafe, and gift shop! I've never given it any thought that it was anything more than a manufacturing plant so now I'm intrigued about the story behind the product.

      Delete
  14. I like potato salad.
    Kit3247@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Potato salad definitely lends itself to being a barbecue or potluck staple!

      Delete
  15. I usually make a corn salad or a macaroni salad for summer potlucks. But I am going try your bean recipe. I think my husband and I would really enjoy it with some corn bread
    Sissie_sue@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy it, Linda! Cornbread is always enjoyed in my household, even without the beans :)

      Delete
  16. Congratulations on the release of your new book! It looks really good.
    Faithdcreech@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love potato salad for a BBQ. This sounds delicious and perfect for cold winter nights too. aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Potato salad seems to be a classic side for BBQs, April! And the flavoring can be so versatile too, to suit what's being served.

      Delete
  18. Perfect side is watermelon...easy and everyone loves watermelon.
    lafabq at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to agree with you 100%! I love watermelon (and any other types of melon), and always have some chopped and chilled, ready to eat during the summer.

      Delete
  19. I always make my lemon orzo pasta salad with extra sun-dried tomatoes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like such a great alternative to the typical pasta salad, Carmela! The lemon makes it sound refreshing and light too.

      Delete
  20. What an interesting recipe, dear Kim❣️ Thank you so much for sharing it. My favorite side dish is Russian Potato Salad that my daughter in law makes ๐Ÿ˜‹Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers, and to all Mothers for putting with us ๐Ÿ™€JOY!!! Luis at ole dot travel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How lucky, Luis, to have your daughter-in-law make such a delicious and hearty side dish for the family! Happy Father's Day to you as well!

      Delete
  21. Definitely stick to the ribs!
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most definitely, Libby! It's one of the reasons it makes such a great main course :)

      Delete
  22. My side dish is potato salad. It would be fantastic with your baked beans. 3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Potato salad is definitely a fan favorite at barbecues and potlucks!

      Delete
  23. Kim, this looks good! I like your lighter take on the recipe. When making it for myself, I'd probably use turkey bacon too. It sounds perfect for a potluck or family barbecue. Congratulations on the new release!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Ang! I never think about turkey bacon since I like the pre-cooked Costco bacon and keep it in the freezer for last minute needs :) But it would be a great choice for this recipe!

      Delete
  24. nhr1115@hotmail.comJune 1, 2026 at 1:27 PM

    I love fresh corn on the cob with any b-b-q food. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adore fresh corn on the cob and I'm just now seeing it show up at the farmers' market. It's even better served alongside barbecue!

      Delete
  25. I usually bring homemade mac and cheese and a feta salad to a BBQ. Congratulations on the new release!

    jarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If someone brought homemade mac and cheese to one of our barbecues, I don't think I'd want to eat anything else...yum!

      Delete
  26. What a great Father's Day (and summer BBQ side dish) recipe, Kim. I like the adjustments you made, as well. Thank you so much for sharing, and Marc and I hope you have a delicious summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cleo! I'm always on the lookout for finding ways to make a dish just a little bit healthier :)

      Delete
  27. We stuff cubanelle peppers with crumbled italian sausage and shredded mozzarella. We carefully cut the top out so that it can be re-inserted after they're filled and fastened in with toothpicks.
    042bad@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peppers with sausage and cheese sounds like the perfect match, Barbara! I'd find it hard to eat just one :)

      Delete
  28. I like chips and dip! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a fun side for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, Linda! We often have tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole, and I'll have to admit I've filled up on those before the main course and sides were ever served.

      Delete
  29. Your recipe sounds delicious, I'm definitely going to have to give it a try. My favorite side dish to take to a cookout is my Mom's corn salad. It's always been one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading your new book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How special to have your mom's recipe for corn salad! I'm sure it brings back special memories every time you make it, Dianne!

      Delete
  30. I love making potato salad. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I do love beans but also a nice potato salad ktpotat@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congratulations on the release of your children book!
    This is the first time I learned about potluck beans! Thank you for sharing the recipe! My favorite side dish is sweet potato fries (cooked in the air fryer)! We found some really good frozen sweet potatoes at Trader Joe's and we love them!
    cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oohh, I love sweet potato fries and the air fryer makes it so easy to fix them! I'll have to check out Trader Joe's version soon. Thanks for the recommendation, Emily!

      Delete
  33. potato salad
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. My favorite dish to take is potato salad. I can't wait to try your recipe, I love beans. (I don't know how to post without it being "anonymous) ~~ Rhonda Sowers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy the Potluck Beans, Rhonda! They'll make a great side dish to go with your potato salad too :)

      Delete
  35. oops I forgot to add my email with my comment ~ minibuttercookie(at)yahoo(dot)com ~~ Rhonda Sowers

    ReplyDelete
  36. The recipe sounds great! Just in time for those summer potlucks. And congratulations on your new book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the recipe! Happy potlucking :)

      Delete
  37. I usually take baked beans to a cookout. I would love to win a copy of Essentials of Death. Thank you for the chance. baileybounce2@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy baked beans as much as I enjoy these Potluck Beans! I think the taste is similar.

      Delete
  38. I usually make maca and cheese or a pasta salad. anitalklaboe(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love mac and cheese but it doesn't seem to be a side dish that ever makes it to a potluck or barbecue in my area. Veggie pasta salad is very popular though!

      Delete
  39. Bonnie Jean WeinmanJune 2, 2026 at 7:16 PM

    My favorite BBQ side dish is fresh cut fruit. bonnieweinman@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet summer fruit is the perfect accompaniment to barbecues, especially watermelon!

      Delete
  40. Fruit salad

    Bmijrkd@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love fruit salad especially when someone else does all the slicing and dicing of the fruit :)

      Delete
  41. I make potato salad for bbq
    dotmorrow@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That seems to be one of the most popular side dishes for barbecues!

      Delete
  42. Gabrielle HashimotoJune 3, 2026 at 6:47 AM

    Congratulations on your release! I just make sweet corn on the cob. gginoza@aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Good Morning Kim!
    Congratulations on your new book release!
    I love overnight salad my barbecue food.๐Ÿฅฐ
    Sherry Brown
    ozdot4@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete