Posted by: Angel 10-11-99 12:36 AM
Old-Fashioned Baked Beans
Yields 8 servings
1 pound navy or Great Northern beans
3 strips thick-cut, smoked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 to 3 cups apple cider
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 strips bacon additional
Bring beans and 3 quarts hot water to a boil; continue to boil for 2 minutes.
Let sit at least 1 hour, but it is best to allow beans to soak in pot overnight.
Cook bacon for 3 minutes in a 3- to 4-quart pot.
Add onion, garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add drained beans and next 10 ingredients (molasses through allspice).
Bring to a simmer.
Add salt and pepper and mix well.
Cover with remaining bacon.
Bake in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 6 hours or until beans are very tender.
If necessary, add additional cider during cooking to keep beans covered.
When cooked, remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves, correct seasonings and serve.