Beans and more beans

I love pinto beans.  They, however, do not love me.  I have been on a quest for many years to figure out how to cook pinto beans and not have them come back on me. I have asked everyone, researched recipes and I think I have found the method.

So, take your beans.  Pick through them, as usual.  Put them in cold water and let soak over night.

Get some ham hock (makes the beans taste so much better than bacon, or salt meat) and put in a pot with water, onion and minced garlic.  Put on the stove and boil for 30 minutes.  Put this, meat, pot and all in the fridge over night.

When you are ready to begin cooking the beans, rinse and place in a slow cooker, add the ham hock with the water.  DO NOT DRAIN THIS WATER.  Add enough water to cover the beans and the ham hock.  Set on high and cook for 8 hours or low for 12.  Half way through, add salt, pepper to taste.

When the beans are done, pour into a large pot and place on the stove.  Boil the beans, ham hock, onions and garlic until the beans begin to thicken.  Turn the beans to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally until as thick as you like.

This is the way I have made beans the last 3 times and let me tell you, they are to DIE for!  My husband is the gasiest person I know and they have no effect on him...or me....or anyone else that had tried them.

Have fun and enjoy!