PAM'S PINTO BEANS

• 1 pound dry pinto beans, about 2-1/3 cups
• 2 quarts of tap water

·        1/4 C. bacon grease.

·        1 1/2 tsp. salt

·        1/2 tsp. pepper

·        1/2 tsp. garlic powder

·        1/2 C. chopped onion

·        1/2 C. chopped green sweet pepper

·        1 tsp. sugar

·        1/2 C. ketchup

Soak the beans in 2 quarts of cold water overnight, or in 2 quarts of boiling water for an hour or two. After soaking, or the next day, bring the beans to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat, so the beans merely simmer. Cover and simmer for half an hour. Then add remaining ingredients. Cover again and simmer for another 45 minutes to an hour. The beans should be tender and fragrant. Bite into one to see if it is cooked though. When they are tender, they are ready to serve.

German Sweet and Sour Green Beans

Ingredients:

2 strips bacon

1 C. chopped onion

1 T. flour

1/2 C. green bean liquid

1/4 C. water

2 T.  apple cider vinegar

4 T. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 large can green beans

Directions:

Brown bacon.  Remove.  Sauté onion in bacon grease until tender.  Stir in flour.  Add remaining ingredients.  Crumble bacon on top before serving.

Green Bean Casserole

Cook and drain 2 cans green beans or 16 oz. frozen green beans.  Stir in one can cream of mushroom soup.  Place in casserole dish.  Sprinkle one small can French fried onions on top.  Bake at 350 degrees until onion rings are browned.

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Cook 16 oz. frozen broccoli according to package directions, drain.

Spray inside of 2-qt. casserole dish with Pam and then put broccoli into dish.

Stir in 1/2 stick butter, cut-up, and 8 oz. Velveeta Cheese, cubed.

Topping:

Melt 1/2 stick butter.  Add 1/4 lb. crushed Town House or Ritz crackers to melted butter and mix. Place on top of broccoli.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, uncovered.

Stewed Tomatoes

Ingredients:

3 large ripe tomatoes (about 1 ½ lb.), cored, peeled, and cut,  or 1 lb. can peeled tomatoes

1/3 C finely chopped onion

2 T. chopped green pepper

1 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 C. soft bread cubes

Directions:

In medium saucepan, stir together all ingredients except bread cubes. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in bread cubes. 4 Servings