Maple Sugar Baked Beans

A favorite sweetener of the pioneers,
maple syrup lends its tang to winter dishes.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon mustard
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup apple-cider vinegar
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
1 pound navy beans, soaked overnight

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook until browned.
Stir in the onion and garlic.
Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the paprika, mustard, tomato paste, and apple-cider vinegar.
Cook for 1 minute. Add the broth, 2 cups water, maple syrup,
salt, pepper, and beans; cover and bring to a boil.
Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the lid and continue to bake,
stirring every hour for 3 1/2 more hours. Serve warm.