Refried Beans

Apologies for the delay in posts.... :-) I've been doing other things besides cooking it seems. But this week I pulled myself together and decided to plan out a full week of meals. Man does it ever feel good to have leftovers in the fridge and food on the shelves and not have to scrounge and wonder what to make for dinner....spaghetti again? Ah, c'est magnifique.

I shall begin with:

REFRIED BEANS

(from scratch)

These were actually surprisingly easy (when planned in advance). Last time I tried to make them, I didn't plan it ahead and it took FOREVER and was way way way more work. So, note to self (and to you, reader), plan this one ahead.

(Day Before): Soak pinto beans overnight (2.5 cups water to every 1 cup beans)

(Day of) : Simmer beans (in water from night before) for 2- 3 hours (yes, hours). Once soft, add in 1/2 cup of lard/hot bacon grease/butter (or a combo of the aforementioned). Add in salt if desired. Simmer for a while longer (until it seems adequately mixed) and most of the liquid is absorbed, then mash beans with a potato masher (or a fork/spoon if you don't have a masher). If it's still runny, let it sit for a while. Yay! Makes a LOT of beans.