Option for using canned pork and beans or baked beans: In place of the dry beans, you can use 4 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans or baked beans (Busch's Home-style recommended). Place beans, including liquid, in slow cooker. Prepare the bacon, onions and garlic as instructed and add to beans. Mix together the ketchup, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard and salt and stir into beans. Place ham shank in slow cooker and press down gently into beans. Cover slow cooker and cook as instructed. Watch carefully as beans begin to simmer. Additional water may be needed to keep bean mixture loose, but not watery. Stir periodically to check for texture.