Thursday, June 30, 2011

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.

29 comments:

  1. Hello,

    My mother used to make a very similar recipie (she got the recipie from my New Hampshire grandma). Mom served this with a dark brown moist bread that came out of a can. I've looked for that bread for years but can never find it. It must of had molasses in it..
    I heart molasses
    xx
    julie

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  2. I am sure it is delicious - I just can not fathom cooking anything that takes so looooooong! First the soaking over night, then the simmering for 1 or 2 hours, then the baking for 3 to 4 hours... wow!!!

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  3. those looks so inviting! can you freeze leftovers (if there are any)??? :)

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  4. those looks so inviting! can you freeze leftovers (if there are any)??? :)

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  5. I didn't know this recipe, it's really interesting I have to try it!!Thank you, hugs, Flavia

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  6. One of my favorites. My recipe is the same as yours, with the brackets, except I use yellow eye beans. It's such comfort food.

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  7. Wow, those look good! I bet they would be great in a slow cooker also! Enjoy your weekend:)

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  8. I think this is a dish only a true east coast girl can make for a friend... i'm hopping on to a plane now....

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  9. In true New England style, you did it the RIGHT way -- no canned Pork & Beans for you.

    For me? I am not sure I have the nerve to do it this way -- I am convinced I'd end up with a pot of B.B. pellets in watery sauce.

    Here in NJ, I'm just probably going to "doctor" up some canned beans. Unless I get really BRAVE ....
    Cass

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  10. Yum! There is nothing like a baked bean dinner! Love the plop the whole onion touch! I use bacon, too!

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  11. My grandmother made homemade beans every sat with home made bread Oh I can smell it now. we do about the same but use jacob cattle beans we like a larger bean.
    Cathy

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  12. I usually doctor up a can, but these look fantastic!

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  13. Mmmmm, looks like this pot o' beans could power a whole orchestra!

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  14. I've never made Boston Baked Beans before! They have to be wonderful and a perfect dish for any holiday BBQ.

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  15. Oh ever heard Boston Baked Beans, but I'm sure I'll taste them in August in Boston, I can't wait ;-)
    Have a nice w/end

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  16. I would love to try these, They must be amazing because I've seen/heard so much about them!

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  17. Oh boy, do these look good. We put beans on our hot dogs even when they are sitting in buns. I loved the pot you cooked them in. Unusual color, very pretty.

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  18. hi mary...julie emailed me this morning and told me about the bread...how NICE!!!!

    i am making these for our 4th of july !!!! it looks wonderful...

    sending love,
    kary and teddy
    xx

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  19. Your recipe sounds almost identical to the one I use. Only difference is, I like to use dried lima beans. (I know, total blasphemy to someone from New England!)

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  20. OMG! I love baked beans. This weekend is perfect to enjoy it. I am glad I came across your recipe today. Awesome. Thanks.

    Velva

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  21. I love Baked Beans. I will make them the "right" way this summer but for the 4th this year with everything I have to cook, I will make them the doctored way!

    Happy 4th!

    Carol

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  22. Used to have those every Friday growing up. Mom would serve them with steamed Boston Brown Bread that you bought in a can. Loved the combination. Works great in a solar oven, too!

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  23. These sound wonderful. I'm wondering what are Navy Beans I don't think I've seen them before?

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  24. Hi Mary!
    This looks a great recipe! have tried a similar one years ago and it was good - cant think why I havent made one since!
    I shall try yours, thanks for sharing it!
    thanks for your comments on mine - you always make me smile :)especially the image of you being busy!!!
    We have one fab formal prom pic of B and her frineds which i am not allowed to show on pain of death as my daughter hates her expression in it ;( but i will try and find some others!
    Hope you have a wonderful 4th July celebration with your family and friends this weekend - i look forward to hearing about it!
    Gill xx

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  25. What a great post; your beans look so good and you are right those home made are the best. Happy holiday
    Rita

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  26. My husband and I love beans so I often have a pot of fresh beans on low simmer on the stove. I tried making baked beans once, and the clay bean pot I had them in cracked and made a mess. I should realy use a cast iron pot and try them again as your recipe sounds so good!

    Happy 4th of July!

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  27. Homemade and perfect for the summer's special occasions!

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  28. Hi lovely lady.
    My Grandfather had a recipie for Back Beans, and my Grandmother would put more brown sugar in the pot. yours looks delicios and yummy. I hope you have a Great 4th.
    XXOO Diane

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  29. This looks like a great recipe; thanks, think I'll try it for our Master Gardner's meeting this week.

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I'm thrilled you've stopped by and I always enjoy your comments! Thank you!