Little House on the Prairie: Baked Beans

Little House Recipe #3 - Baked Beans

I am almost finished with the first book in the series, Little House in the Big Woods, and baked beans must have already been mentioned at least 4 or 5 times throughout. At most every dinner Laura describes, the family is enjoying a side of hot, sweet, delicious baked beans.

This was always a favorite of mine growing up, though we always had the canned non-vegetarian kind. I am glad to say that this slow-cooked version is just as good, if not better! It’s certainly healthier, and it sure feels good to have made something from scratch. There’s just something so satisfying about starting from dried beans and ending up with something soft and warm and delectable.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dried navy beans (1.3 lbs), soaked overnight OR boiled for 1 hour

• 1.5 cups water

• 1.5 cups ketchup

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 2 tsp yellow mustard

• 1 Tbsp salt

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce (or Tahari, if you need gluten-free)

• 4 Tbsp vegan butter

• 1 tsp liquid smoke

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 large onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Drain beans.

2. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours (overnight is easiest!)

3. THAT IS IT! Enjoy! :)