Homemade Baked Beans

What is this, you wonder?

Why this is the result of one of my wonderful children (I won't name names) who lovingly cleaned the dishes after supper the other night.

Trying to cop out and load the dishwasher without rinsing paid its price later. The nameless child created more work for his/herself when the entire load (due to other items that mysteriously missed the rinse cycle) came out covered in a hard, baked bean powder and he/she had to wash each dish by hand.

A lesson was learned, or at least a parent can hope.

Anyway, despite the picture above, this is actually a great recipe for the cold, winter days that lay ahead. An old favourite of my Grandma's, this traditional comfort food will warm you right up.

photo by kicthenroadie on flickr

Grandma Anderson's Baked Beans

1 lb. white navy beans (soaked overnight then rinsed well)
1 cup Ketchup
2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup diced onions
1 pkg. bacon - fried and chopped
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 tbsp. dry mustard
salt and pepper to taste
*3 cups water

*plus a possible addition of 4 cups of water during cooking time

Mix together and bake for 6-8 hours at 275-300 degrees (depending on your oven). Add water over the course of the cooking time if beans are looking thick.