Country Lima Beans

Sort and wash beans; place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; cover and let stand 8 hours or overnight. Drain the beans. Return beans to pan; stir in salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 300°.

Cook bacon slices in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon; set bacon aside. Add onion and carrot to drippings in pan; sauté 5 minutes or until golden. Add onion mixture, bacon, 2 cups water, and butter to bean mixture in Dutch oven; stir well. Cover and bake at 300° for 2 1/2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring every hour.