FIRST STEP:

2 lbs. (4 2/3 c.) pinto beans
12 c. water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. cooking oil or butter

Place washed beans in large kettle; add water. Bring to boiling point. Boil 2 minutes only. Remove from heat; add soda to cut down cooking time. Cover; let stand 1 hour. Or soak beans with soda in measured amount of water overnight. To cook, put kettle of beans with soaking water on high heat. Add salt and oil or butter to keep down the foam. When boiling, reduce heat to simmer. Cover tightly and cook 2 hours or until tender.

SECOND STEP:

8 slices bacon, cut in 1" pieces
1/4 c. diced onion
1 med. size clove garlic, sliced
1/4 tsp. coarse grind black pepper
1/4 c. light molasses
1 c. catsup
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
3 tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 1/4 c. cold water
Shake or 2 of Tabasco sauce

Mix together all ingredients. Add to cooked beans, stirring carefully with wooden spoon to avoid breaking beans. Cook slowly, covered on surface unit of range about 1 hour. Or place in 325 degree oven about 1 1/2 hours. (Improves with standing and re-heating.) Serves 8 to 12.