Ultimate Great Northern Beans

Directions

1. 1
   Soak the beans in cold water overnight. Make sure that there is twice as much water as beans because they will swell up.
2. 2
   In a large cooking pot, pour in the cooking oil and toss in the smoked jowl pieces. Stir and allow them to sizzle over medium heat for 5 or 6 minutes. After they brown a bit, deglaze the pot with about 4 ounces of the chicken broth.
3. 3
   Add the onion and allow to simmer until the onion is tender, stirring often.
4. 4
   Rinse the beans in fresh water a final time and, after draining, add them, plus all the remaining ingredients into the pot. This should include the 48 ounces of water listed in the ingredients.
5. 5
   Boil, covered, over low heat until beans are tender, stirring occasionally (about 2-3 hours).
6. 6
   Serve with cornbread, fried potatoes, eggs and biscuits.
7. 7
   If you wish, you can use chunks of ham or bacon instead of pork jowl.