BAKED LIMA BEANS

PREPARATION TIME: Soaking beans overnight plus two hours of prep time

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs. of dried lima beans

2 lbs. of either slab or thick-cut bacon

1 medium sweet onion (Vidalia or similar), chopped

1 c. ketchup

1 c. dark brown sugar

1/2 c. cider vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Place beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak 8 hours or overnight. Drain. Place beans in a large pot and add water so beans are covered by an inch of water. Lay bacon across the top; season with a little salt and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, until beans are soft. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove bacon, dice, place in a pan with the chopped onion and sautee until crisp. Drain beans, add ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, bacon/onion mixture (drained on paper towel) and season with salt and pepper. Place in a lidded casserole. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10 minutes more, until brown and bubbly on top.

SERVES: 8 - 10