Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      pound         dry pinto beans
   1      quart         cold water -- (1 to 2)
     1/4  pound         ham hock
   1      tablespoon    chili powder
   1      tablespoon    sugar
   1      teaspoon      black pepper
     1/4  teaspoon      cumin
     1/4  teaspoon      oregano
   1      clove         garlic -- minced
   1      large         onion -- chopped
   1      teaspoon      salt

Preparation:

Wash beans and place in a large pot or kettle. Add water and remaining ingredients (except salt, which should be added 30 minutes before beans are done). Cover and simmer for 5 to 6 hours. Check liquid level occasionally and add more water (add boiling water, never cold) as needed to keep beans covered. Jo, these are as good as pinto beans can get for the general palate, but can be spiced up by adding more garlic and/or chili powder. This recipe works especially well in a crockpot. If cooked in a crockpot, you will need 1 qt of water and cook them on the low setting. It also may take a little longer than the 5 to 6 hours.