Although these legumes were traditionally cooked low and slow in the oven, today's baked beans, as they're often called, are actually cooked on top of a stove for a faster preparation that doesn't compromise flavor. Shed even more cooking time by using canned beans - or save cash by rehydrating dry beans instead. Regardless of how you prepare this dish, bacon plays a crucial part in achieving a pronounced smokiness, while molasses and dark brown sugar add a sweet flavor and pleasing caramel colo