BAKED BEANS, FROM SCRATCH-En Casserole

2 lbs. dried white navy (or other suitable) beans
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 lb. salt pork, ham, or bacon
1 medium onion, diced
2 tsp. salt
4 tsp. cider vinegar
3 tsp. dry mustard, mixed until smooth with a little vinegar or water
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup dark molasses
1/4 cup ketchup
black pepper to taste
1 can (10 oz.) tomato soup

1. In a large pot soak the beans overnight in water that is at least 3 inches above the beans.
2.  In the morning, drain and transfer the beans to your bean pot or casserole. Cover with fresh water to which the baking soda has been added. Add the salt pork, ham, or bacon. The onion and salt.
3. Bake for 2 hours in 325F oven or until slightly softened.
4. Then add vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, pepper, and tomato soup Cover casserole and bake in a 250F oven for 7-8 hours or until the beans are tender, add more water ( if you have tomato juice around, that works even better). YOU COULD USE A CROCK POT (SLOW COOKER) FOR THE BEANS. They use electricity more efficiently than an oven; but, it doesn't fill the house with the aroma of baking beans.

©Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan. All rights reserved.