Vermont Maple Baked Beans

 
2 lbs Dried Beans
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Dry Mustard
1 medium Onion, peeled
1-1/2 cups Maple Syrup


Wash and pick over beans.
Cover with cold water and soak overnight.
In the morning rinse beans and boil gently in fresh water until skins wrinkle.
Drain off bean water and retain.
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
Place onion in the bottom of a bean pot or casserole.
Add remaining ingredients. Pour in bean water just to cover.
Bake covered, for about 4 hours.
Check periodically, adding bean water as needed.
For the last hour cook uncovered to brown top.