Slow Baked Navy Beans With Salt Pork

Ingredients

• 1 quart dried beans
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 lb salt pork
• Pepper to taste
• Cold water
• Hot water

Method

1. 1 Pick over beans and soak overnight in water.
2. 2 In the morning, wash and drain beans, then place in a kettle with cold water and baking soda.
3. 3 Boil for about 20 minutes, then drain.
4. 4 Place beans in an earthenware dish with molasses and pepper.
5. 5 Place the well-washed salt pork in the center of the beans with the rind scored and facing up.
6. 6 Cover with hot water and bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 6 hours or longer, keeping covered.
7. 7 About an hour before serving, remove the pork to another dish to brown, and allow the beans to brown on top.