Boston Baked Beans

Directions

1. 1
   Pick through the beans for stones, rinse them thoroughly and soak in water overnight.
2. 2
   (Leave soaking until ready to cook; you'll need the water.)
3. 3
   Heat oven to 300 degrees.
4. 4
   Place a Dutch oven, 5-quart size or larger, over low heat.
5. 5
   Add the salt pork or bacon and fry until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.
6. 6
   Raise heat to medium and stir in the onion.
7. 7
   Cook until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, 5 to 8 minutes.
8. 8
   Add the beans to the pan along with enough of the soaking liquid to cover them by 1/2 inch, adding fresh water if needed.
9. 9
   Add the garlic cloves, molasses or maple syrup, ketchup, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon pepper and the thyme branch and bay leaf, if using.
10. 10
    Stir well and bring to a boil.
11. 11
    Cover the pot and put in oven.
12. 12
    Check the liquid level in the pot every hour or so, and add hot water as needed to barely cover the beans.
13. 13
    Cook until beans are very soft but not falling apart, 2 to 3 hours.
14. 14
    Remove from oven.
15. 15
    Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon vinegar; let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then taste a bean and some liquid, adding more salt, pepper or vinegar, if you like.
16. 16
    Serve, or cool completely and reheat.