Hillbilly Beans

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. of dry navy beans or great northern beans
1/4 lb. of bacon, cut into small chinks
1 large onion
1/2 C. molasses
1/3 C. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper


DIRECTIONS
1) Rinse beans. Soak overnight, in three times as much water as beans. After soaking, boil on stove top until tender in the soaking water. According to experience, softening should take 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours. Your mileage may vary, so check the beans at the one hour mark for desired tenderness.

2) Drain beans, reserving the liquid. In a 1 1/2 quart bean pot or casserole, combine beans, salt, bacon and onion. Stir in one cup of reserved bean liquid, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, 1/2 tsp. of salt and pepper.

3) Cover and bake for 300 degrees (F) for 2.5 hours or to desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Add reserved bean liquid if necessary to maintain consistency.

Adding additional mustard and ketchup for desired flavor is usually a good idea, but no measurements are offered here; you are on your own.