2 cups white pea beans
5 cups cold water
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
1/4 cup fancy molasses (Grandma's)
1/2 cup ketchup (Hunts)
1/4 lb. pork or bacon, sliced lean
pinch of black pepper

Sort and rinse beans. SOAK BEANS OVERNIGHT in cold water. Drain and add 5 cups cold water, cover, heat to boiling, then simmer 30 minutes or until nearly tender (beans will not become any softer once place in oven). Drain.

Place onion slice on bottom of 6 cup heatproof casserole dish (or roast pan). Add remaining 7 ingredients in with the beans, stirring gently to combine, then pour entire mixture into casserole dish (pan). Add enough water to cover mixture, then place sliced lean pork on top.

Cover with lid and bake in oven at 250°F for 7 hours.

Add water as needed to keep beans covered.

One hour before serving, remove cover to darken up the beans. Salt to taste.

Serves 8.

Submitted by: Rick Palmer