Barn-Raising Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb kidney bean, dried
6 slices bacon, chopped (1/2 in pieces)
1 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
1/4 cup butter (or margarine)
2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
2 whole cloves
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
4 cups water

Preparation

in large bowl place beans and cover with water, soak for 1 hour.
meanwhile in a 3qt saucepan cook bacon over med heat until bacon is browned.
reduce heat to med and add remaining ingredients (except 4 cups water and beans).
cook stirring occasionally until onions are crispy tender.
drain beans, add to vegetable mixture.
add 4 cups water, cook over high heat until mixture comes to a full boil.
reduce heat to med, cover, cook stirring occasionally until beans are fork tender (1 1/2 to 2 hours).
remove bay leaves and cloves before serving.