Maple Baked Beans

Preparation

1. Step 1

   1. In a large pan, cover the beans with water. Bring to a boil and simmer until tender, about 1 hour.

   Step 2

   2. Preheat oven to 300°F.

   Step 3

   3. In a bowl, combine everything else except the bacon. Stir in the beans.

   Step 4

   4. Place 1 bacon strip at the bottom of a large ovenproof dish or Dutch oven. Pour the bean mixture over it, then push the other strip in.

   Step 5

   5. Add just enough boiling water to the pot to cover everything.

   Step 6

   6. Cover the pot with aluminum foil, then a lid. Bake for 5 hours, checking hourly to make sure the beans aren't drying out. (Add more water as necessary to keep them submerged.) 7 Uncover for the last half hour to brown the top, if desired.