Abenaki Beans - 18th century recipe

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Abenaki Beans - 18th century recipe

Ingredients

* 750 g (3 cups) dry beans, such as red kidney beans
* 325 g (10 oz.) salt pork, diced
* 1 wild garlic, chopped or 2 shallots
* A pinch of sea salt
* 2 tbsp. strong mustard
* 200 ml (3/4 cup) maple syrup
* 250 ml (1 cup) P'tit Caribou (or equal parts gin and red wine)
* 250 ml (1 cup) cooking liquid from the beans
* 1 game bird (partridge or duck) or a chicken

Method

1. Place the beans in a heavy pot and cover with water; add the salt
pork and simmer for 2 hours until the beans are completely cooked;
2. drain the beans and spread them out in a deep dish; combine all the
other ingredients except the meat and pour over the beans;
3. create a hollow in the center of the beans and place the game bird
or chicken in the center;
4. cook in a moderate oven until the bird is cooked, basting it
frequently to prevent it from drying out.