These are a lot of work, but the results are marvelous. So much better than store bought. A crock pot makes this a lot easier.

SAUCE MIX:

1 c. brown sugar
1 c. dark molasses or maple syrup
1/4 c. prepared mustard (not salad type)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 lb. bacon or 1 good ham hock or 1/2 lb. salt pork (optional)

Put beans in heavy pot with 8 cups of water. Bring to boil and let cook 1 minute. Turn off pot and let it sit for 1 hour. After 1 hour, cook beans on low heat until soft and tender. When done, drain and transfer beans to baking dish or crock pot. RESERVE THE COOKING LIQUID.

Mix sauce ingredients together; add to beans. Place bacon, ham, or salt pork on beans. Add sufficient reserved cooking liquid to beans to just slightly cover beans. Cook in oven at 275 degrees for 8 to 12 hours. Beans should be a nice, dark golden brown. If using a crock pot, turn on low setting and forget about the beans for about 8 hours.