Oct 26, 2010
I was looking for a basic recipe that did not include canned beans (too much sodium) and tasted like Mom's top-of-the-stove baked beans; this is a keeper! Did not follow the recipe exactly, but found it the perfect base for what I was looking for. My changes (and methods used): Soak beans in water overnight; dump all soak water then boil beans with fresh water (enough to cover beans) for about 20 minutes or until beans are soft and 'mush' between your fingers. Next, drain beans; RESERVE & SET ASIDE ALL LIQUID. Fry 6 pieces of bacon + one onion (both chopped) until bacon is brown & crisp. Drain bacon grease, return beans, bacon, and onion to pot and add remaining ingredients: -enough reserve liquid to cover beans, -1/2 cup brown sugar, -1/2 cup maple syrup, -1/2 cup ketchup, -1/4 cup prepared mustard (I used mix of regular yellow + stone ground), -2 TBS apple cider vinegar, -Did not use salt pork or molasses. IF you like your beans less sweet, start w/ less sugar/syrup & add more later, if needed. Cooking method: on top of the stove using my grandmother's "soup pot" (cast aluminum/ dutch oven pot). Dish is ready in under 2 hours (excluding overnight soak time). I also fry bacon and onion in this same pot, which adds extra bacon flavor to the beans, even with the grease drained off. My beans have been on the stove top for only 20 minutes but I keep going back for another taste! This will be a delicious side dish to go with our home made BBQ & slaw.
—debinVA
