Fry bacon and crumble; reserve grease. Brown onions in 2 tablespoons bacon grease. Mix onions with bacon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, vinegar and spices. Add beans and stir. Cook in a slow cooker on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, uncovering the last ½ hour, or bake in oven at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Yields 12 to 16 servings.