Jamaican Baked Beans

Baked beans with a Jamaican flare.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  cups  white pea beans, dried
• 1  quart water
• 3⁄4 lb salt pork, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
•  water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  small onion
• 4  whole cloves
• 1⁄2 cup molasses
• 1⁄4 cup dark rum
• 2  teaspoons dry mustard
• 1  teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 1  pinch thyme

Directions

1. Soak the dry beans in the first measure of water overnight.
2. Stud the onion with the whole cloves.
3. Soak the salt pork in water to cover for 2 hours.
4. Drain the beans. Place them in a large kettle. Add water to reach 2" above the beans. Add the salt. Bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat. Simmer until the beans are barely tender (30-40 minutes). Drain well.
6. Preheat the oven to 250x.
7. Place the clove-studded onion in the center of an earthenware casserole. Cover with half the beans (form a layer). Add half the salt pork (in a layer). Add the remaining beans (in a layer). Top with the remaining salt pork (in a layer).
8. Combine the sugar, rum, mustard, pepper and thyme. Add to the beans.
9. Add boiling water to barely cover. Cover the casserole tightly.
10. Bake until tender (4-5 hours), adding boiling water as needed to keep the beans moist. Uncover.
11. Cook 30 minutes longer - do not add any more water. Serve hot.