The Best
Baked Beans
1 pound dried navy beans
1 salt
pork
2 bay leaves
1 cup ketchup
1/2cup molasses
2 tablespoons dark brown
sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 ounces sliced bacon
Pick through the beans and
remove any pebbles. Place beans in a colander and rinse under cold water.
Transfer the beans to a large pot or bowl, add water to cover by 2-inches and
let soak overnight. The beans will rehydrate and
swell to twice their size. Drain and rinse the beans, then put in a saucepan.
Cover the beans with fresh water and place over medium heat. Add the remaining
ingredients, except for the bacon. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 25
minutes or until the beans are tender but not breaking
apart. Transfer the beans and broth to a 2-quart oven-safe dish. Lay bacon slices
in a single layer on top of the beans. Bake in a preheated 325 degree F oven
for 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook the bacon.