Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place large, ovenproof saute pan or saucepan over high heat. Add bacon, onion, oregano and garlic, sauteing until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir well as onion cooks, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan.

Add beans, 6 cups water, jalapenos and beer, then bring to boil. Cover tightly and put in oven. Cook until beans are soft, about 2 hours. Add more water if beans begin to dry out. You should end up with a soupy bean stew, with beans very soft but not falling apart.

Add 2 teaspoons salt, return beans to oven for 10 minutes, then taste them. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt if necessary. Serve immediately or let cool, cover and refrigerate until needed. Rewarm over low heat, stirring frequently.

can't find it, substitute 1 tablespoon dried oregano and 1/8 teaspoon dried mint.