Beans, Beans, Beans!!!

Once every other week or so I make a big pot of refried beans using my crock pot. I then use some that night for Enchilada's, and maybe set some aside for nachos or bean burritos for lunch and/or dinner the next day, and finally with the rest I prepare as many bean and cheese burritos as I can. I then wrap these and freeze them. Then during the week when the kids are hungry and I am too busy to stop what I'm doing and start lunch, they can just go to the freezer and grab one and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes each!

My husband also takes these to work for lunch many days a week!

We do something similar with pizza pockets, which I will share a recipe for next time. For now here is how I make the beans. I get rave reviews on these from young and old alike, and they are SO easy and SUPER cheap!!!

First, in the morning, I put about four cups of beans covered with water to soak all day in the crockpot. That night I drain the water and recover with water and cook on low all night. Then the following morning, I add:

4 tbsp. Flour
4 tsp. Chili Powder
3 tsp. Dried Minced Onion Flakes
2 tsp Salt
2 tsp. Paprika
1 tsp. Sugar
2 tsp Garlic Powder
I also add a pinch or two of dried red pepper flakes. I then use a potato masher to smash them all up and cook for several hours longer on low. I will turn them off late afternoon to let them cool before I separate them for their various uses.

These are so much tastier than store bought canned beans, and much cheaper as well, not to mention healthier!! Enjoy!