Boston Baked Beans

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups navy beans
• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

How to make it:

Soak beans overnight in cold water. Simmer the beans in the same water until tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours. Drain and reserve the liquid.

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Arrange the beans in a 2 quart bean pot or casserole dish by placing a portion of the beans in the bottom of dish, and layering them with bacon and onion.
3. In a saucepan, combine molasses, salt, pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over beans. Pour in just enough of the reserved bean water to cover the beans. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
4. 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.

Boston Baked Beans

Sunday night we were invited to James and Greti's for Boston Baked Beans and a new bottle of Hendrick's Gin. I made the cornbread, James made the beans and we all ate. It was some seriously good eats and I have to say we will not soon forget. The beans were caramelized to perfection. There was that smokey bacon flavor that matched perfectly with the maple syrup/mollasses. There was happy and lively conversation, never ending options of alcoholic beverages and a nice dessert (peaches with amaretto, almond slices and vanilla ice-cream). The night was a success - but then it always is with our fantastic group of friends.

Here are some picks of the prep and the final product. Enjoy!

The heart and soul of the beans. This is where are the flavor is and James' sauce was intense and awesome!

White beans, bacon and loads of onions layered in a baking dish ready for sauce and oven time.

The final result after 6 hours in the oven. Caramelized bacony goodness.

White cheese cornbread. Because we can.

My bowl of beans, cornbread and a healthy amount of super awesome butter. So good!

By Flower Power