4 cups pinto beans 2 tsp. salt

5 1/3 cups water 2/3 tsp. garlic powder

2 med. onions 4 oz. can chopped green chilis

Use same method as for preparing black beans above. Blender chop the onions in some of the water before adding to the pot. Add all other ingredients except chilis. Simmer until

tender. Add chilis at end of cooking and mash into beans. This recipe is 2/3 the measurements of the black beans above. Use these measurements for any beans, adding herbs and vegetables of choice. For split pea and lentil soup add at least 1 quart more water and watch as they cook because they thicken considerably; add more water to desired consistency. For split pea or lentil soup, also add 3-5 carrots to the blender-chop mixture. Add 1/4 -1/2 tsp. thyme or more, to taste. For lima beans, use onion and salt only. Delicious as is or you may add a can of tomato soup or sauce, and a little molasses, then bake at 350 degrees in an oven dish for "baked beans."