We had to wonder when we visited Massachusetts why Boston baked beans are called “Boston” baked beans! We found out that Boston has been tied to molasses since colonial days, when the city was a trade center for rum from the Caribbean. Molasses is used for rum production and is a by-product of sugar refining and was easily available to the colonists. So, mystery solved. “Real” Boston Baked Beans must have molasses!
But we wondered, could we make this recipe dog friendly, yet delicious? Beans are a great source of protein for dogs in moderation of course. Molasses are a great source of calcium in this recipe. We use this dish as a side item to their dinner and keep the portions small. Using dried beans are a must to make this authentic. Of course, to make it person friendly, add salt and spices to your liking. Boston Baked Beans have to be cooked slow, just the way Brickle moves. So take your time, bake your beans, and make your dog a side item to their meal that they will love.
Ingredients
1 pound dried white beans
1/2 cup organic molasses
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 pound bacon, cut into strips
4 cups of water, or more if necessary
Directions
Soak the beans overnight, drain and rinse.
Preheat over to 300 degrees.
Drain and rinse the beans a second time and return to the pot. Add molasses and tomato paste and bacon. Add the 4 cups of water and bring the beans to a boil. Turn off heat, cover the pan and transfer to the oven.
Cook the beans for five hours. Check every hour to make sure the beans are not dry. If so, add more water as needed, a 1/2 cup at a time.
Take out of oven after cooking time. Let cool completely before serving to your dog. Leftovers may be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Disclaimer: This is a treat. This is not considered a meal replacement. Always check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.