Rinse beans. Place in a large pot; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat; cover and let sit for one hour. Drain beans and cover again with fresh water. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for one hour.

Drain partially-cooked beans, reserving cook water. Place beans in a 3-quart crock pot. Add 2 cups of the cooking water and the rest of the ingredients.

You can put them in the crock pot right away or refrigerate and cook the next day. Cook in a crock pot on Low for 6-8 hours.

*If you use pepper bacon, you don’t need to add pepper. Adjust salt to taste.