italian beans baked in tomato sauce

so these were supposed to be baked gigantes from the cookinglight website only i could'nt find gigantes and didn't have time to run to another store to grab some. large limas would have worked too which is what i thought i had grabbed but in reality i just had plain ol lima beans and cannelini beans...i had to make do. this dish was delicous and despite the change in beans it was really great although i intend on making it again with gigantes. the bacon really did it justice! make sure to buy good quality bacon with no nitrates...nitrates are bad just remember that. neiman ranch makes great, natural bacon and sausage products that are free of hormones and preservatives. a little side salad to this and perfect meal!

enjoy!

3 cans white beans or gigantes or large limas or like me plain limas
4 strips bacon, diced (i use neiman ranch no nitrate or perservative bacon)
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp basil
1 tbl balsamic vinegar
1 28 oz can organic diced tomatoes
1 tsp pure cane sugar
generous helping of grated parm
salt and pepper
pinch of red pepper

prehear oven to 325F.

drain and rinse beans in colander. set aside.

saute bacon, onion, carrot, celery and garlic until soft and cooked. add basil, vinegar, tomatoes, honey and pepper and s&p.

add beans and add to baking dish. sprinkle with cheese.

bake 45 min.