Boston Baked Beans

A family favorite for decades!  This is my mom's version of Boston Baked beans.  They are so simple to make and so delicious you really won't want to use canned beans again!  Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with the occasional can of beans, I do it myself from time to time.  But you can't beat the taste of home made baked beans.

They make a great addition to any buffet, cookout, pot-luck, church supper, or simply a great Saturday night supper!  They are a must have dish at all of our family parties.  Enjoy!

Below are the "proper" instructions and in parentheses is what I do!

Ingredients
2 cups navy beans (the entire package)
1/2 pound salt pork (or bacon if you must . . . )
1 onion, finely diced (I plop a whole onion in)
3 tablespoons molasses (I use 1 cup)
2 teaspoons salt (don't need it if your using salt pork or bacon)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions

Soak beans overnight in cold water. Drain, add fresh water and simmer the beans in the same water until tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours. Drain and add fresh water (this keeps the gas level down)!

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Arrange the beans in a 2 quart bean pot or casserole add an extra inch of water over the beans.  Add the rest of the ingredients give a stir and bake. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

Bake for 3 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until beans are tender. Remove the lid about halfway through cooking, and add more liquid if necessary to prevent the beans from getting too dry.

Serves 4 - 6 people.