And if you're really broke....
Ham 'n' Beans
1 lb dried pinto bean, sorted and washed
5 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
4-8 ounces cooked ham or polish sausage, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
salt, to taste
Cover beans with water and soak overnight; drain.
Place beans in a 6 quart crock pot with water and remaining ingredients
except salt. Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours, or until beans are soft and done. Stir a couple of times during cooking, if possible. Add salt after beans are done. (Cooking salt in the beans will make them tough.)
Serve with corn bread. Freezes well.
Note: I have a fast cooking crockpot and mine was done in 8 hours