1 pound great northern or navy beans -- soaked overnight in
1 cup onion -- chopped
4 slices bacon -- diced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2/3 cup molasses
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups tomato juice
salt
Drain the beans and place them in a large saucepan.
Add fresh water to cover the beans. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, until beans are almost tender, about 45 minutes to an hour. Drain.
Preheat oven to 250F.
Place the beans in a baking pot or casserole.
Stir in the onions, bacon, sugar, dry mustard, cayenne, molasses, vinegar, tomato juice, and 1 cup water.
Bake the beans uncovered until very tender, about 4 hours.
Check the beans occasionally while baking and add more water if necessary, to prevent the mixture from drying.
Season with salt to taste.