and pepper as you go. cover tightly and transfer to oven. cook for 30 minutes at 300°, then reduce heat to 275°. continue cooking for 2 more hours.
remove dish from oven. turn layers over so top is on the bottom. if more liquid is needed, add a little boiling water. cover, return dish to oven, and cook for 1 1/2 hours more (4 hours total cooking time). 