Spanish Beans

• 2 1/2 c. dry beans
• 5 c. water
• 2 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 c. coarsely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 lb. bacon
• 2 1/4 c. canned tomatoes
• 3/4 c. chopped green pepper
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp. dry mustard
• 2 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1. Soak washed beans in water overnight with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
2. If overnight is impossible, bring beans with water and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to boil for 2 minutes only.
3. Cover and allow to stand one hour.
4. This is equal to 12 to 15 hours soaking. Rinse beans and put in heavy pot with 5 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon soda.
5. Bring to a boil and add 2 tablespoons bacon grease and salt.
6. Reduce heat to simmer; cover tightly and cook 2 hours. Cut bacon in 1/4 and fry partially; add to beans with all other ingredients.
7. Simmer for 2 hours.
8. Better if made a day ahead and reheated.

beans, water, salt, onion, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, bacon, tomatoes, green pepper, brown sugar, dry mustard, chili powder

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=55552 (may not work)