Pot of Beans

You can make this in the stovetop or in the crockpot.

5-6 c dry pinto beans
3 bay leaves
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 dried red chilies
2 Tbsp dried onions
1 tsp cumin
1 hamhock

Sort the dry beans for rocks and bad beans. Rinse many times until water is clear. Choose one of 3 ways to reduce indigestion 1) Soak beans overnight in water then rinse before cooking 2) Bring beans to a boil and simmer 2 minutes. Then let stand for 1 hour, then rinse 3) Cook beans on stovetop for 4-6 hours. To cook, cover beans well with water in crockpot (about 2-3 inches above bean level. Put hamhock in the middle. Remove seeds from chilies and put them in. Sprinkle remaining ingredients on top. Stir occasionally throughout the day. You may add water as well, beans should always stay covered in water. Cook on high 8 hours. Remove bay leaves, hamhock and red chilies before serving. If cooking on stove top, bring to boil on high then turn down to about med-low to simmer covered 4-6 hours.