OLD FASHIONED BAKED BEANS

1 lb. white pea or navy beans (dry or canned)
2 medium onions, sliced
1/4 cup molasses
2 tbsp. tomato paste (or 1/2 cup ketchup)
1 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. black pepper or red pepper flakes
4 cups hot water

Rinse beans, discarding any discolored ones. In a large saucepan, soak beans overnight or quick soak as below.*

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Drain beans. Add water to cover by at least 2 inches, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes; drain. (If using canned beans, simply rinse and drain.)

In bean pot or 8-cup casserole, spread onion slices.

Mix molasses, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard and pepper; pour into casserole. Add drained beans and hot water.

Cover and bake in 250 degree F oven for 6 hours. Uncover and bake for 1 hour longer, adding enough water necessary to keep beans covered.

*Quick soaking method:
Place rinsed beans in large saucepan; cover with 2 inches of water; bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes; drain. Cover with cold water; let soak 30 minutes; drain.

Each of the 8 servings contains 123 calories and less than one gram of fat.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research