I've had some PM's requesting my pinto bean recipe, so here goes. First I start with 3 cups of dried pintos, Bonita Bean Company brand my personal favorite. 3 cups will work for about 8-10 people when used as a side, less if you mix with rice for a main dish.I also soak in hot water a a heaping tablespoon of baking soda to take away some of the gas affect. Soakr for 2 hours, then rinse well. Towards the end of the 2 hours, chop 1/4 lb of smoked bacon and fry in Dutch oven. While bacon is cooking, chop a medium onion fine and throw in with the bacon. Cook until almost cooked through, then add 4 whole cloves of garlic. Then add the rinsed beans and water to cover, plus 2 inches.
Then add, 1 Tbls oregeno, 1 Tbls cumin, 1 Tbls smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon sage, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper. At this point, if you want hot beans, add some red pepper flakes or jalapenos. I cook mine at 300 and check every 1/2-1 hour to make sure the beans are covered in water and don't get dry. Cook until tender. Sometimes I also start my beans with elk burger along with the bacon. Of course a ham hock or ham bone is a good choice too. At the end, salt to taste, but carefully or your beans will be too salty. To me, there's nothing better than steak and beans for a meal.

Pap