So I decided to try and cook baked brown beans as I have not had any homemade ones in many years. In an effort to reduce the salt a bit and because I like beef better than pork I decided to make it Beef and Beans instead of pork and beans.
I found a recipe that looked appealing on line and adjusted it a bit to suit me. After soaking the beans overnight then draining and rinsing it calls for adding 1 tsp of soda and simmer for an hour then drain and rinse again. I did not do this last part as I have never heard of doing that and had never seen my mother do it when I was young. The recipe called for 5 -6 hours cooking but mine took at least 12 hours. They turned out good and we have enjoyed eating them.
Does anyone know what the deal is with the soda and simmer part of the recipe? I am assuming it means "baking soda" but keep in mind I am male and well over 50.
Here is the recipe I tried in case anyone is interested.
Regards,
Dave. 
    
PS. I am also interested in anyone elses Brown beans recipe if they like a particular one and are willing to share. That and home made stew recipes.  

Tante Suzie's Pork & Beans

• 2 lbs. navy beans (about 5 cups)

        ·        Cover beans with water

• 2 tsp salt

Soak overnight. Drain and rinse.
Add 1 tsp soda and simmer for an hour. Drain and rinse. I did not do this, should I ?

Add:

1. 1/2 pound sliced bacon or salt pork and mix between the beans, bottom, middle and top. Layer the bacon at the bottom and spread evenly through the dish.
2. 1/4 c. maple syrup –could use more
3. 1/4 c. molasses – I added 3/8 cup could go to 1/2
4. 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
5. 1 large onion chopped
6. 1 tsp. dry mustard
7. 2 Cups tomato juice – I did not use this because I did not have any
8. Secret ingredient
9. 1 clove garlic minced
   
   
 

Cover with 2 Cups tomato juice and bake with cover on for ~12 hours in slow oven at 300 degrees. I added a bit more tomato juice in the last hour, just so they would not dry out. (I did not do this)
Long and slow baking is the secret to good baked beans.

I also used:

1. Beef stew meat brazed in a fry pan with Lawry’s, garlic and Red Hot sauce instead of the bacon or salt pork.

2. 2 tbsp vinegar

3. 1 large can diced tomatoes

4. 1 small can tomatoe paste

5. 5 tbsp Sun dried tomatoe salad dressing – could use more