I've made about 4- triple batches of these beans, and they get better each time I make them. I load them up with as much meat as I can, I add the bacon, sausage and one type of meat I smoked, chopped into a fine dice. They turn out teriffic.
Just for a twist I used a berry filling instead of the apples. The sweetness was the same. There was no noticable berry flavor messing with things, but the color was a much more appealing deep reddish, chili color.
Now I use either, and am happy with both!