Beans may be Pinto, navy, great northern White, etc. Pick over
Beans to remove rocks and bad beans. Wash and place in large pot
with sugar and enough cold water to cover *. Bring to a boil,
cover and simmer for 3 hours or until tender. Add additional water
during cooking as necessary *. Slice sausage and onion, dice garlic
and peppers (adjust number of peppers to suit preference). Add all
remaining ingredients and cook beans for at least 1 more hour,
stirring occasionally and adding water as needed *. Add salt if
required.
* To begin, water should be at least twice as deep as beans. After
beans have swollen, always keep just covered with liquid to
prevent burning. If beans should accidently burn, do not stir.
Pour off into another pot, being careful not to get burned
particles and continue cooking.