Instructions: Soak and cook beans according to directions. Drain. Drain pears, reserving pear syrup. Fry 4 slices bacon. Drain and break into pieces. Saute onion in bacon fat. Add with fried bacon to beans and place in buttered casserole. Combine 3/4 CUP pear syrup with molasses, vinegar, garlic and remaining seasonings. Pour over beans and mix thoroughly. Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours, stirring gently from time to time and adding more pear syrup if needed. Place pear halves over beans, spooning liquid from casserole over the top. Top each pear half with 1/2 slice bacon. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes longer.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.