Three Bean Bake

Step by step method

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

• Step 2

  Cook bacon in heavy, large ovenproof pot over medium heat until crisp.

• Step 3

  Using tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain.

• Step 4

  Crumble bacon and reserve.

• Step 5

  Add onion to drippings in pot and sauté until almost tender, about 5 minutes.

• Step 6

  Add dry mustard and thyme and stir 1 minute.

• Step 7

  Mix in ketchup, vinegar, molasses, 1/3 cup water, bay leaf and all beans.

• Step 8

  Season with salt and pepper (to taste).

• Step 9

  Cover pot and bake bean mixture 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if mixture seems dry.

• Step 10

  Mix bacon into beans.

• Step 11

  Bake 15 minutes longer.

• Step 12

  Discard bay leaf.

• Step 13

  Mix in hot pepper sauce and serve.