DIRECTIONS

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place in an ovenproof Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened.
    Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to the pan; add 2 qts. water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until beans are almost tender.
    Drain and reserve liquid; set beans aside. Coat the same Dutch oven with cooking spray. Add the bacon, onion and celery; cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Stir in the beans, brown sugar, mustard, thyme, garlic powder and 2 cups reserved liquid.
    Cover and bake at 325° for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender and reach desired consistency, stirring every 30 minutes. Add more reserved liquid as needed. Stir in salt before serving. Yield: 12 servings.