The Magic of Beans

     I've been cooking beans most of my adult life.  After all those pots of beans it seems not two batches are the same.  Sometimes they may be a little under  cooked, sometimes a little too salty , sometimes not salty enough.  Most of the time I struggle to find the sweet spot between just enough and way too much if you know what I mean
     The main thing I like about beans is they are all purpose, they will go with just about anything.  Beans are pretty much my favorite food.  Am I boring or not, but if I had to chose a last meal, pinto beans  along with a skillet of corn bread would be on that menu.
     Are you a soaker or boiler?  I mean do you soak the beans over night before cooking or do you bring them to a fast boil before cooking them?  I'm a soaker, finding that method the best.. I have to admit I cheat a little, I cook my beans in a crock-pot.  Onions, garlic powder, chicken stock paste instead of salt pork, chili power.  Throw it all in the pot, ad four cups of water with one pound of pre soaked pinto beans and cook on high for five hours.  The crock-pot method is a lot less fuss. More and more I eat a lot of canned beans because they are quick to fix and a lot less trouble.  Usually one can will make two meals.  Ranch Style, Pinto. Black, Baked or plain old Pork and Beans it really does not matter they are all good.   A bowl of beans and some corn bread goes great on any table so get cooking or open a can  and enjoy one of the great and cheapest meals around.