Beans

I love the Pioneer Woman Cooks blog. Ree is so funny, and full of great recipes. I have liked nearly every recipe I have tried from her website. This picture is found here, along with more detailed instructions. I love that this recipe is so cheap! Seriously, what a great way to learn how to cook something that is inexpensive, yet totally filling. Who knew you didn't have to soak beans before cooking them? Not me! And better yet, it really tastes totally yummy. I was pleasantly surprised that beans could be so good. I make it with homemade whole wheat rolls or bread. She serves hers with cornbread. Either way, it's just a filling, satisfying, and inexpensive meal. Yum!

Ingredients:
4 c. pinto beans
4 slices bacon (can also use salt pork, ham hock, or diced ham--I've only tried bacon)
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. pepper

Directions:
Rinse beans in cool water; pour into a pot and cover with water by 2-3 inches. Slice bacon into 1" thick pieces and mix in with beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add water to pot as needed. Beans should have a thick broth. Toward the end of cooking time, ad salt and pepper and season to taste. (It was pretty hot with the pepper, but I loved it that way. I suggest adding some to taste, rather than just putting in the whole 2 tsp. pepper...you know, just in case it's too much for your tastes). For variety you can add chili powder, garlic, or Tabasco. Serve with grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped fresh jalapenos, sour cream, and/or cilantro. (I just had sour cream, and that was fine!).
*I like to mash the beans a little with a potato masher before we eat it. Kind of adds more variety in the texture and a little thicker broth.