Maple Syrup Baked Beans

By Brett Moore

gourmetfood.about.com

CIA/Keith Ferris

It's essential to have a good baked bean recipe! Baked beans are a classic dish that match well with so many foods. I love this one because it includes two of my favorite ingredients: maple syrup and bacon. The secret to baked beans is time. Baking in the oven for 3 hours gives this dish it's deep,rich flavor. This recipe comes from the Culinary Institute of America and is served in their American Bounty Restaurant.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried navy or Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
• 8 sliced bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Salt as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper as needed

Preparation:

Drain the beans and place them in a pot with enough fresh, cool water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until a bean is tender enough to mash easily.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Drain excess water from the beans and place them in an ovenproof casserole.

Cook the bacon over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet until limp. Using a slotted spoon transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Add the bacon to the beans.

Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pan. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat until tender and slightly brown. Add the onion to the beans.

Add the maple syrup and mustard to the beans and stir to blend thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper.

Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven 2 to 3 hours. If the beans seem too dry, add up to ½ cup water. The beans are done when the liquid is very thick.