Old-fashioned baked beans

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups dry white beans or navy beans

• Soaking water

• 1 cup diced bacon or salt pork

• 1 cup fancy molasses

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp dry mustard

• 2 tbsp ketchup (optional)

• 1 onion, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Additional water as needed

Canadian classic

Instructions

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1. Soak beans in water overnight, making sure they're well covered.​

2. Drain and cover beans with fresh water. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain again.​

3. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

4. Pour the beans into a heavy ovenproof dish or bean pot.

5. Add bacon, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.

6. Mix well, then add enough water to cover the beans.​

7. Cover and bake for 3-6 hours (depending on your beans and oven) until beans are tender, adding extra water if needed so they don’t dry out.​

8. For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of baking.

9. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.​

These beans freeze well, and the flavor improves as they rest, making them ideal for making ahead for gatherings or family meals.
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