Soak beans 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 250°F.

In a cast iron Dutch oven, cook bacon and reserve 1/4 cup grease.

Saute onion in bacon grease, about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, dark brown sugar, and molasses.

Drain the beans and reserving the soaking liquid.

Add drained beans to Dutch oven.

Place the soaking liquid in a measuring cup and add water to equal 4 quarts.

Add the liquid to the Dutch oven and bring to a boil.

Add salt, stir, and cover with the lid.

Bake for 6-8 hours.

Makes 1,644 grams of weight.