I use cumin is the spice for pinto beans, although I have never had them at cracker barrel, use 1/2 c catsup, 1 can tomatoe sauce and also crumbled bacon. You will have to adjust for size of recipe, but I always make for a crowd.

Hi, I make my beans with no ham hock or meat of any kind. They are just plain mexican beans. I add a half onion on the bottom of the pot. sort beans rinse and put in the pot. I do not soak them. I add 1 tsp garlic, cilantro, oregano (dry) cumin pepper and salt. And I also add a small amount of olive oil. Let them cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. I use a mexican crock pot that cooks on the stove. Try this recipe you will like. Maria

when i cook a ham i save the fat and scraps in baggies for beans per pot.
i sort and wash my beans,put into water add a bag of ham scraps and pressure cook them for 2 hours on low after pressure is up. then i salt to taste let them cook down for a while then i add my green chili. cool and put up in zip-lock bags per serving. i also make my sopias and seal them in bags. when i want a bowl i micro the beans, warm the sopias in a toster oven and peal my green onions. a feast for sure.
phyllis nm

For those nights when you can’t wait to make a full cake!!!







quick fix 5 min choc cake





5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous)..
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

phyllis nm

Thanks everyone for the great recipes. Nothing is as good as a pot of beans and cornbread for dinner.

We have altitude problems here cooking beans. If you don't soak them overnight with 1 tsp baking soda, you have little rocks no matter how long you cook them. With soaking they are fine. Go figure

If at all possible, buy the pinto beans grown in the Four Corners area. They are sold out of Cortez, Colorado and do really well at high altitude but are wonderful at any altitude.

Ditto