Thompson's Baked Beans

I recently acquired a beanpot and I am anxious to make some baked beans.

My father had a beanpot and I don't know where it would of got to.

Beans you purchase at the store that are in tin cans are ok at best.

Making your own is a labour of love.

Ingredients 

2 cups Thompson's White Pea Beans

5 cups cold water

1 medium onion sliced

1/4 Tbsp salt

2 tsp cider vinegar

1 Tbsp brown Sugar

1/2 tsp yellow mustard

1/4 cup Crosby's Fancy Molasses 

1/2 cup ketchup

Pinch black pepper 

1/4 pound sliced bacon

Stuff you will need 

Beanpot or Dutch oven

Cooking pot with lid

Cutting board 

Sharp knife 

Mixing bowl

Colander 

Potato Masher

Directions 

Sort and rinse the beans.

Soak beans in cold water, overnight.

Drain.

Add beans to your cooking pot and add 5 cups cold water.  Heat to boiling.  Cover and simmer the beans for 30 minutes.

Drain.

Add the onions to the beanpot.  Add everything but the bacon.  Stir gently to combine.

Add enough water to cover the beans.

Add the bacon.

Put the cover on the beanpot.

Oven to 250 F.  Bake for 7 hours.

When beans are tender, remove 1 cup of beans and mash them.

Add the mashed beans back into the beanpot and gently stir to combine.

Cover and continue to bake.

Add water as necessary to keep the beans covered, while the beans are baking.

One hour before serving, remove the lid so that the beans can darken.

Salt to taste.

PRO TIPS

To get really dark beans, add an extra 1/2 cup of molasses and do not add ketchup.

Keep the same amount of ketchup, but add more molasses and don't add the brown sugar.

To get that je nes sai quois, vice topping off with water as the beans are baking, substitute apple juice.

Add liquid smoke.  Not too much as a little goes a long way.

Substitute diced salt ham for the bacon.

To reduce the gassy effects of the beans, change the soaking water a few times.  About every 3 hours.  This will also diminish some of the taste.  Not a terrible amount though.

What pairs well with baked beans

Baked beans pair well with smoky, savory, and tangy flavors, making them a classic companion for barbecue and comfort food dishes. 

For a barbecue

Barbecue meats: Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and barbecue chicken are all classic pairings.

Grilled meats: Simple grilled pork chops, burgers, or hot dogs are excellent choices.

Sausages: Grilled or smoked sausages, such as brats or links, complement the beans' hearty flavor. 

For a classic comfort meal

Cornbread: The sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a perfect match for savory baked beans.

Mashed potatoes: For a classic, satisfying meal, serve your beans alongside a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.

Mac and cheese: A side of rich, gooey mac and cheese creates the ultimate comfort food plate.

Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy flavor of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the beans. 

As a main dish

Baked beans on toast: This simple dish is a popular and classic British meal.

Jacket potato with beans: A baked potato with a scoop of baked beans is a filling and inexpensive meal.

Add meat: You can easily transform baked beans into a main dish by stirring in ground beef or leftover ham and bacon.

Use as a topping: Use baked beans to top hot dogs for "Boston dogs" or on a grilled cheese sandwich. 

To complement the flavor

Bacon: For a smoky flavor, mix strips of cooked bacon into your baked beans.

Cheese: Grate some sharp cheddar or other cheese over the top of the beans just before serving.

Brown bread: For a traditional New England meal, serve your beans with steamed Boston brown bread. 

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Lastly, and I have lived in all 10 Provinces and two the Territories, only in Cape Breton do they serve Fish Cakes & Beans.