Although we call them Boston Baked Beans today, the dish has roots in the colonial period. By the mid-1700s, New England families were slowly baking beans overnight in brick ovens after the weekly bread baking was finished. The famous use of molasses reflected Boston’s active trade with the Caribbean. For America 250 event, this recipe is historically appropriate as an example of colonial New England cooking. To represent Virginia specifically, reduce the molasses, and rely more on salt pork, cider, and herbs. Traditional Colonial Boston Baked Beans Serves 10–12 Ingredients Method 1. Soak the Beans Cover the beans with cold water by several inches. Soak overnight (12 hours). Drain. 2.…