Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, cider vinegar, sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Make relish by adding tomatoes, scallions and pepper to the vinaigrette. Stir and refrigerate. (This can be done up to 24 hours in advance, stirring occasionally.)
2. In a large pot filled with 8 cups of water, bring beans, chopped bacon, onion and bay leaf to a boil. After water comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until beans are just tender. Remove from heat and let the beans sit in the broth, covered, until tender and buttery smooth, about 15-30 minutes.
3. Remove bay leaf, onion and bacon from pot and discard. Spoon tomato relish over beans and serve., passing the hot pepper sauce or vinegar .