Normal Beans

Because the purpose of this Table in the Wilderness is to feed distant loved ones 

as well as those close by, here is Special Request #1 for a faraway daughter.  

(With lots of hugs and kisses!!)

Normal Beans

Soak 2 cups dry beans in 8 cups water (or 1/2 cup beans in 2 cups water -- all that matters is the proportion 1 part beans to 4 parts water).  

Though I must say, I have lately NOT soaked beans 

but just popped them right in the crock pot that morning 

and they cook up fine.  

Supposedly you get more nutrients that way.  

You may also get more gas.  

You choose.

When you're ready to put everything into crockpot, put in:

4x as much water as the amount of beans (fresh water if you've soaked)
some chopped jalapeno
some chopped onion
some sprigs of cilantro

Let everything bubble away for hours and hours until beans are soft and delicious.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Sometimes I add smoked paprika or other interesting herbs.  But keeping it simple seems to be the key to success.