Instructions: Rinse and drain beans. Place in a large bowl with remaining ingredients, except tomato sauce. Mix well, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

To cook: Transfer bean mixture to a large ovenproof pot. Add tomato sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pot in oven. Bake 4 hours, covered. Check beans after 3 hours and, if necessary, add a little more water so that beans are covered. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving.

This recipe provides 6 servings.

Comments: Heres Moms secret - soak the beans and her wonderful blend of spices overnight. They take a while to prepare, but the flavor is not to be believed! (Navy beans are available in almost all grocery stores.)

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