Baked Beans

 20 servings

2 pounds dried Great Northern beans

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 pound salt pork

chopped OR 1Tab.Liquid Smoke

2 teaspoons dry mustard

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons onion powder

6 tablespoons ketchup

6 tablespoons molasses

1 ½ cup brown sugar

packed

¾ teaspoon black pepper

Pick over the beans and rinse well. Place in a large pan and cover with water. Let soak overnight. 

Drain the beans well and return to the pan. Add the baking soda and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and let boil for 2 minutes. Drain the water. 

Add fresh water to the pan (just enough to cover the beans) and bring to a boil again over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook until the beans are tender (60-90 minutes). 

Meanwhile, if using, add the salt pork to a skillet and cook over medium heat until tender. 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. When the beans are tender, add the mustard, salt, onion powder, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt pork or liquid smoke. Mix well. Transfer the beans to a large baking dish. 

Place in the oven and bake at 325 degrees F for 2 hours or until bubbly and saucy. If the beans get too dry, add a little additional water. Serve the beans hot.