1 2 1/2-quart bean pot or covered casserole

1 pound beans*

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 pound salt pork

1/2 medium onion -- peeled and uncut

4 tablespoons sugar

1/3 cup molasses

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

*Use California pea beans, York State beans or small white beans.

Soak beans overnight. In the morning, preheat oven to 325