PINTO BEANS AND HAM HOCK RECIPES

Steps:

• Add beans WITHOUT seasoning packet, chicken broth and water to a slow cooker then stir to combine. Add ham hocks and onion pieces to cooker, cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Set seasoning packet aside.
• Add seasoning packet and remaining spices to cooker, stir to combine, then cover and continue cooking for 2-4 hours or until beans are very tender.
• Remove ham hocks to cool. Remove onion pieces then discard if desired.
• Ladle out 2-3 cups of beans and broth then mash until smooth either with the back of a fork, a potato masher or whatever else gets ‘er done. Add mashed beans back to cooker and stir well.
• Turn off cooker and let beans rest, uncovered, for one hour. Don’t worry, they will still be plenty hot when it’s time to eat. Doing this just allows the broth to thicken up and things to get extra creamy.
• Meanwhile, remove meat from ham hocks, shred or cut into small pieces then stir into beans.
• Serve with fresh diced onions (and cornbread if you have it!)

Steps:

• Sort your beans and remove and broken pieces or pebbles. I use one 16 oz package of beans. Place in a large bowl or pot, covering with water.
• Add the baking soda to the water, and let the beans soak at least 6 hours or overnight. After 6 hours or overnight drain the water from the beans.
• Add the beans to a 6 quart crock pot and cover with fresh water. You want the beans to be covered by at least one inch.
• Add the pinto bean seasoning, sugar, vegetable oil, pepper and onion. Taste the beans after several hours of cooking and add more seasonings if you think it needs it. I used a total of one tablespoons pepper.
• Add one of the following for additional seasoning, one ham hock, ham bone, or slice of country ham cut into pieces.
• Place lid on crock pot and cook on high for about 6-8 hours. make sure the beans stay covered with water, so check occasionally. If you need more water, then add it. The beans should have a soup consistency.
• In 6 hours, test beans and if they are cooked. Remove ham bone and pull of the meat or remove meat from ham hock and serve. Don't forget the wedge of cornbread.