NEW ENGLAND BAKED BEANS

New England Baked Beans image

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

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2 thick hickory-smoked bacon slices
1 pound dried white beans, thoroughly rinsed
4 cups water
2 cups apple cider or hard apple cider
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
2 pears, cored and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning, until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, and chop.
Place the beans in the slow cooker and add the bacon, water, cider, onion, molasses, maple syrup, ginger, mustard, and cloves. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the beans are tender. Season to taste with salt.
Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Add the apples and pears and cook for about 10 minutes, until they begin to brown. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon and sauté for about 5 minutes.
When the liquid is almost evaporated from the slow cooker, place the fruit mixture on top of the beans and continue cooking for about 40 minutes, until the flavors are melded.
Divide evenly among bowls and serve at once.