Hearty Boston Baked Beans with Slabs of Bacon

Ingredients:

2 pounds small dry white beans
12 cups water
olive oil
1 pound thick-sliced homestyle bacon, each slice cut into thirds
1 cup molasses
3/4 cup finely chopped onions
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 Tablespoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons salt

Directions:

1. Soak beans in water in uncovered crock pot overnight (or a minimum of 8 hours).

2. After soaking, cover; cook on low for  3 hours. Drain liquid, reserving 1 cup. Remove beans; set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat until hot. Add bacon. Cook and stir 4 to 6 minutes to render fat.

4. Remove bacon pieces with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Transfer bacon to the crock pot.

5. Add reserved 1 cup cooking liquid from the beans, then add the beans and remaining ingredients; stir well to combine and form a smooth sauce.

6.  Cover; cook on low 10 to 12 hours or on high 6 to 8 hours.