Oklahoma Beans
Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 – cups pinto beans, soaked overnight

• 1/2 - pound thick bacon slices, cut into 1-inch bits

• 1 – large green chile pepper, seeded and sliced

• 2 – cups tomatoes

• 1 – teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 - teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 - cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Drain beans, and cook in enough water to cover for 1 hour or until tender.

2. In a saucepan, fry bacon until crisp.  Remove from saucepan and set aside.

3. In the bacon fat, add pepper and cook until tender, then add the tomatoes.  Cook pepper and tomatoes for 15 minutes.

4. Now add the beans, bacon, chili power, and cumin to saucepan.  Mix well and cook 15 minutes.  Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and server.

Picnicking & Tailgating

Either put hot ingredients into a thermal dish or heat up on grill when at your picnic or tailgate site.  Again, you want to add the cheese just before serving.