Horseshoe Mountain Ranch Pinto Beans

Directions

1. 1

   1 pound dry pinto beans 1 quarts cold water -- (1 to 2) 1/4 pound ham hock 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon black pep

2. 2

   Add water and remaining ingredients (except salt, which should be added 30 minutes before beans are done)

3. 3

   Cover and simmer for 5 to 6 hours

4. 4

   Check liquid level occasionally and add more water (add boiling water, never cold) as needed to keep beans covered

5. 5

   Jo, these are as good as pinto beans can get for the general palate, but can be spiced up by adding more garlic and/or chili powder

6. 6

   This recipe works especially well in a crockpot

7. 7

   If cooked in a crockpot, you will need 1 qt of water and cook them on the low setting

8. 8

   It also may take a little longer than the 5 to 6 hours