This dish has an abundance of flavor to please even your pickiest holiday guest.  Based on an all-American favorite, this satisfying homemade meal will be a big hit at your next party or bring miles of smiles to your hungry family on a cold winter’s evening. 

1

pound (16 ounces) kielbasa

1

pound navy beans

1

pound kidney beans

4

cups hot bean liquor

2

cups onions, chopped

1

cup chili sauce

1/4

pound bacon

1

can (28 ounce) tomatoes, diced

1/2

cup dark molasses

1

teaspoon vinegar

1/2

teaspoon dry mustard

1/2

teaspoon dried basil

1/2

teaspoon thyme, crushed

2

teaspoons salt

Sort and rinse beans.  In a large pot, cover with water and soak overnight.  Add bacon; cover and simmer over low heat until beans are tender, about 1 hour.  (To shorten cooking time, the bean and bacon mixture may be boiled.  Stir frequently to keep from burning.)  Drain and reserve liquor.  Remove bacon and cut into smaller pieces.  Pour beans into a 2 quart bean pot; combine all ingredients and add kielbasa.  Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 6 hours.  If necessary, add some of the bean liquor during baking to keep from drying out. 

Yield:  6 servings.