Spanish Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. dry beans
5 c. water
2 1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. coarsely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 lb. bacon
2 1/4 c. canned tomatoes
3/4 c. chopped green pepper
2 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
3/4 tsp. dry mustard
2 1/2 tsp. chili powder

Preparation

Soak washed beans in water overnight with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
If overnight is impossible, bring beans with water and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to boil for 2 minutes only.
Cover and allow to stand one hour.
This is equal to 12 to 15 hours soaking. Rinse beans and put in heavy pot with 5 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon soda.
Bring to a boil and add 2 tablespoons bacon grease and salt.
Reduce heat to simmer; cover tightly and cook 2 hours. Cut bacon in 1/4 and fry partially; add to beans with all other ingredients.
Simmer for 2 hours.
Better if made a day ahead and reheated.