Instructions: Smoke & Spice, Page 312

Soak beans for at least 4 hours in water to covers, then drain. In a large, heavy, saucepan, combine the beans with the water. Bring the beans to a boil over high heat, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook slowly, stirring up from the bottom occasionally for at least 2 to 3 hours, depending on the beans (dont know what the heck that means). Stir in the salt after the beans have softened. Add more water if the beans begin to seem dry. The beans are ready when they mash easily but still hold their shape. Drain the beans.

Preheat oven to 325F

In a skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain. Add onion and bell pepper to the rendered bacon drippings and saute until soft.

Transfer the bacon and onion mixture to a greased Dutch oven or other baking dish. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Bake, covered for about 1 hour. Uncover and back for an additional 15-30 minutes.

Optionally, I put them in a cast iron pot, in my smoker if there is room.

Dont pay too much attention to the time when I do that as I am always eating them as I cook.

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