I have been tossing up some new recipes and my family is loving it!  I have tried several recipes from the website and yummo!  Check out the Texas Stew over at OklahomaJamie's Website (under my friends category) - my husband has requested more!

My latest challenge is learning to cook beans.  For many of you this might sound silly but I have tried several attempts in my past to use the dried beans and failed to no avail.  I read the instructions but could not get to the yummo I desired. Until... sisters, I am no longer using can because I have SUCCEEDED!!! I found a hint - somewhere on this blog site and I am sorry because I can't remember where I read it! 

Keys to success

1.  Soak your beans OVERNIGHT

2.  In the morning, discard old water and pour in new water - I use a collander inside another bowl.  Soak for a few more hours.

3.  Make sure you allow for plenty of cooking time 2-3 hours.

I made some tortilla soup - yum!  I will put recipe on later.

BAKED BEANS

• 2 cups dried beans
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1tsp dry mustard
• 3Tbsp molasses

After soaking beans over night,  Rinse beans and add1 1/2 quarts of cold water to pot with beans, bring to a boil.  Simmer for 1 hour until tender. Drain and reserve 2 cups of liquid. Put liquid in a casserole Dish.  To water add reamining ingredients and stir until blended.  Stir in beans.Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 5-6 hours.  You can also cook in a crockpot for same amount of time.  If necessary add more water during cooking.