40-Yrs-To-Get-It-Right Boston Baked Bean

Yield:	8 Servings
Categories:	Vegetables

1	lb	Dried great northern; navy, or pea beans
6	c	Water
2		Bay leaves
2	ts	Salt
6	tb	Dark molasses
1/2	ts	Dry powdered mustard
1	sm	Onion; peeled
		OPTIONAL
1	lb	Moderately-fat beef (chuck; flanken; or the like) -or-
1/2	lb	Salt pork -or-
1	tb	Vegetable oil
		(none of these is necessary if you prefer to omit)