Boston Baked Beans With Molasses

Ingredients

• 1 quart navy beans
• ½ pound salt pork
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup boiling water
• Additional boiling water as needed
• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
• 1 onion, sliced (optional)

Method

1. 1 Wash and pick over the navy beans. Soak overnight in cold water to cover.
2. 2 Drain beans, cover with fresh water, and heat slowly until skins burst. Drain the beans.
3. 3 Scald and scrape the salt pork. Place one slice in the bottom of a bean pot, fill with beans, and bury the rest of the pork inside, scoring the rind.
4. 4 Mix salt, molasses, and sugar. Add 1 cup boiling water and pour over beans. Add more water to fill the pot. Cover and bake in a slow oven (300°F) for 6-8 hours.
5. 5 Add boiling water as needed. Remove lid during the last hour to brown the top. Add mustard or onion if desired.