Grandma Lambs Baked Beans

1. 1

   Discard soaking water and rinse beans well in a colander.

2. 2

   Place beans in a 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven.

3. 3

   Cover with water; add baking soda and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Discard water and rinse beans again in a colander.

5. 5

   Return beans to pan; add 8 cups water, the ham bone, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover partially with a tilted lid, and cook about 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until beans are tender and liquid has evaporated.

7. 7

   Taste and salt if necessary

8. 8

   Heat oven to 350 F. Remove ham bone to platter; trim off any remaining meat and discard bone.

9. 9

   Coarsely chop meat and stir back into beans.

10. 10

    If using slab bacon, allow bacon to remain in beans.

11. 11

    Turn beans into a shallow 2-quart baking dish; top with sliced bacon and bake, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and bacon has browned.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.