easy way to bake beans

Cooking raw beans has really intimidated me and seemed too much work for the outcome - when I can go by a can of beans for fairly inexpensive. Until now. I came across how to cook them in the oven - without having to presoak them {which is a perk because I either forget to do so the night before or don't have the time when I think about using beans that night for dinner}. 

So today I started these beans right before Avery's nap. They took about 2+ hours to bake in the oven - but since I was home for the afternoon it was no problem. Then I used my newly baked beans in a new recipe I hope to share tomorrow. And the leftovers I am going to freeze in 1-2 cup increments because we love black beans around here. Pinto beans will be up next. 

Heat the oven to 325. Put amount of beans you are cooking in a 3-quart (or larger) Dutch oven or pot with a tight-fitting lid that can go in the oven. ( I had 3 cups of black beans, so that's what went in my Dutch oven).  A clay pot is ideal. Add 2 tsp. of salt and enough water to cover the beans by about 1 inch. Put the lid on and bake for 75 minutes. Check the beans and stir them. If they are tender, take them out of the oven. If they aren't done, put them back in for 15 minute intervals until they are done, adding a cup of hot water if they seem to be drying out. It took me 2 hours, buy may take less than 90 mins. 

I know some of you have other methods - the old fashion way soaking them over night, or a quick 2-3 hour soak before starting to cook them on the stove, or even in the crockpot. This was super easy for me and I am so happy to have a big pot of beans. Who knew beans would make me so happy?!? :)

You can find directions on how to cook beans other ways at this website - along with really yummy looking recipes: http://www.thekitchn.com/