American Baked Beans

Makes about 6 cups.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 c chopped onion
• 6 c cooked small red beans, drained reserving liquid
• 1 1/2 c water and/or cooking liquid
• 1/2 c ketchup
• 3 Tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1/4 c molasses
• 2 Tbsp prepared yellow mustard
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large, ovenproof pot over medium low heat, warm the oil and butter. Add onions and saute 5 minutes, or until tender.
3. Add remaining ingredients and blend well.
4. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and baked uncovered another 45 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed/evaporated, but the beans are not dry. (You can add more liquid as needed.)
5. Remove bay leaves. Serve hot or at room temperature.