Maple-Molasses Baked Beans

• 1 pound dried navy, kidney, baby lima, pinto, or black beans
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• salt (optional)

Place beans in a large pot and cover them with water completely. Soak overnight. In the morning, drain and cover with fresh cold water. Cook beans in liquid, over low heat, for 2 to 3 hours until tender, adding more water as needed to keep beans from sticking. Drain water from beans.

In a mixing bowl, combine beans, syrup, molasses, and mustard. You may want to add a little salt. Pour bean mixture into baking dish and bake, covered at 300 degrees F for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bake 30 minutes longer.

• Yields: 6 servings
• Preparation Time: about 5 hours (plus the overnight soaking)