Maple Baked Beans

On the Menu Today~
Maple Baked Beans

From summer back yard parties to super bowl parties,
baked beans always seem to make an appearance.
The trick to making great baked beans is simple,
long, slow cooking~
This is a recipe I have been making for many years..
it's always a favorite~

Maple Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 18 cups water
• 4 1/2 cups dried great northern beans, soaked *directions follow*
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 pound lean bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon each, salt and pepper

Cooking Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the water, soaked beans and baking soda. Bring to a boil.
2. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender. Drain beans, reserving 1 cup liquid.
3. Preheat oven to 300 F. In a 2-quart casserole dish or bean pot, combine cooked beans, onion, and bacon. Stir in 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid, brown sugar, maple syrup, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Bake, covered, for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally, adding reserved liquid, if needed.

Kitchen Tip: Soaking Beans

• Sort the beans, discarding any shriveled ones.
• Rinse beans and drain.
• Place dried sorted beans in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. 
• Add enough cold water to cover the beans. 
• Cover the saucepan.
• Let stand at room temperature at least 8 hours or overnight. 
• Drain and thoroughly rinse the beans.
• Continue with recipe.

Kitchen Tip: Quick-soak dried beans:

• Place beans in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. 
• Add enough cold water to cover beans. 
• Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, uncovered for 2 minutes. 
• Remove from the heat. 
• Cover and let stand for 1 hour. 
• Drain and thoroughly rinse the beans.
• Continue with recipe.

Beans, Maple, Bacon, Baked, Baked Beans