1 lb. dried pinto or pink beans, cleaned
5 c. water
1 or 2 med. onions, diced
1/4-1/2-1 c. hot bacon drippings (lard or Crisco)
Salt to taste

Combine beans in a pan with water and onions. Bring to a boil; cover, and remove from heat for 2 hours (or soak beans in cold water overnight). If you soak them overnight, use the water that you soaked them in as part of the 5 cups of water or you will lose all your flavor.

Return to heat, bring to a boil, and simmer slowly until beans are very tender, about 3 hours. Mash beans with a potato masher, and add bacon drippings. Mix well; continue to cook stirring until beans are thickened and fat is absorbed. Salt to taste. Serve or reheat. Makes 6-8 side-dish servings.