Swedish Brown Beans With Pears

If you can use brown beans (I did find them in my larger grocery store) as they have a sweeter, milder flavor than do pinto or navy beans although either can be substituted. This is excellent with pork chops or baked ham. It takes a while to do but is not the least bit complicated. Cooking time does not include the overnight soaking of the beans. This recipe comes from a cookbook I checked out at the library but it has gone on my Christmas “wish” list….Prairie Home Cooking.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  swedish  brown beans, picked and rinsed well (or pinto)
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup cider vinegar
• 3⁄4 cup dark corn syrup (or molasses)
• 2  large pears, peeled, cored and chopped

Directions

1. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water.
2. Soak overnight.
3. The next day drain and transfer to a large saucepan or stockpot.
4. Add water again to just cover.
5. Add cinnamon stick to beans and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes.
7. Add salt, brown sugar, vinegar, corn syrup and pears.
8. Simmer covered for 2-2 ½ hours until beans are tender.
9. Transfer to serving bowl and serve.