This is the way I fix mine, and I am hispanic, Clean your beans, I usually use 1/2 pound, cause they do expand. Soak for at least 2 hrs. in cold water. This will loosen any dirt that is stuck to the beans. Rinse and Re-soak for a couple of more hrs, (if you soak them longer because of time, it doesn't matter). Clean the beans again, and they should be ready to cook. You can use your crock pot, on high for at least 4 hrs, or a dutch oven. Either way is fine. Add your beans, an onion, quartered, a tooth of garlic or 2, and 2 slices of bacon. Add enough cold water to cover beans and have at least 2 inches above them. If cooking in a dutch oven on the stove, bring them to a boil then on a low, simmer till done. Since they do expand, make sure you always have enough water in the pot. Do not salt them, they will be tough. When done, in a fry pan, add oil to cover bottom of pan. Heat the oil, be careful because the juice of the beans will make it spatter. Cook on med. heat, let them simmer a little then mash. At this point add salt to taste and black pepper. Turn your heat to simmer. let then cook and stir so they don't stick to the pan. Now you can let them cook to your taste. The longer you cook them them, the thicker they will get. If you want them really refried add more oil and cook longer. When done you can add a teaspoon or tablespoon of butter, stir and serve. I put condiments on table, cheese, salsa, sour cream and let everyone fix their own. Enjoy...