Refried Beans

This is a really easy and inexpensive way to cook beans. You can use just about anything to season them and they are very versatile, too! We love to use them for burritos and nachos!

Pour 2 pounds dry pinto beans in crock pot. Cover with cold water about 2 inches over the beans. Cover and set sit overnight. BE SURE THE CROCK POT IS NOT ON!

In the morning, pour the beans into a large colander and rinse with cold water. Place back into crock pot and just cover the beans with 1/2 water and 1/2 chicken or vegetable broth.

Turn on low and let cook until soft. Season beans with:
1/4 pound cooked bacon and 3 Tbsp of the bacon fat (or 3 Tbsp shortening for vegetarian)
1 1/2 tsp cumin
2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper

1 medium chopped onion
4 cloves chopped garlic,
1/2 chopped fresh jalapenos

Turn on low and let cook until tender.

When they are soft and soupy, add 1-2 tsp salt mash with stick blender. They will thicken  as they cool.