Maple Baked Beans

Since my husband raises hogs and my parents produce maple syrup, this recipe's a natural for me! I usually prepare Maple Baked Beans just for us during the winter. In summer, I'll often make it for family picnics and get-togethers.

Ingreadient:

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 4 quarts water, divided
• 6 slices bacon, cut up or 1 cup cooked ham cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 5 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions :

1. Sort and rinse beans; place in a 4-qt. Dutch oven. Cover with 2 qts. cold water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans. Return beans to Dutch oven; cover with remaining water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until almost tender. Drain and reserve liquid. In a 2-1/2-qt. casserole or bean pot, combine beans with all remaining ingredients. Cover and bake at 325° for 2-1/2 hours or until tender. Stir occasionally; add reserved bean liquid, if necessary.