2 c. beans

Wash, pick over and soak beans overnight in 6 cups water. Next day cook slowly in covered kettle until tender, about 2 hours. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper or amounts to suit your taste. For extra flavoring, you may add ham, bacon or salt pork during cooking.

2 tbsp. bacon drippings or shortening
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 clove garlic
1/2 c. water
2 cans tomato sauce, sm. size
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. molasses, or more
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3/4 tsp. salt

Melt shortening; add onion, garlic and meat. Cook until lightly browned. Add this mixture and all remaining ingredients to the beans. Cover and simmer over low heat about 40 minutes or longer if you desire.