Super Baked Beans

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse beans.
2. 2
   In a 4 1/2 quart Dutch oven combine beans and 8 cups cold water.
3. 3
   Bring to boiling, reduce heat, simmer for 2 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.
5. 5
   (Or, skip bioling the water and soak beans overnight in a covered pan.) Drain and rinse beans.
6. 6
   In the same pan combine beans and 8 cups fresh water.
7. 7
   Bring to a boil, reduce heat.
8. 8
   Cover and simmer about 1 1/4 hours or till tender, stirring occasionally.
9. 9
   Drain beans, reserving liquid.
10. 10
    In a 2 1/2 quart casserole or bean pot combine the beans, bacon and onion.
11. 11
    Stir in 1 cup of the reserved bean liquid, the molasses or maple syrup, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
12. 12
    Bake, covered, in a 300 degree oven about 2 1/2 hours or to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
13. 13
    If necessary, add additional reserved bean liquid.