Here's the way we do it around here...

by pokynojoe, Monday, April 01, 2013, 21:12 (4257 days ago) @ JD

Soak the beans(pinto, don't use black beans for this recipe)overnight in cold water, this take some of the "gas" out of 'em. Drain and put in a dutch oven. DON'T use water, but mix yourself up some bullion and slow cook them in that. Add a ham bone, fatback, some bacon, whatever you have, I like to use a hock. Salt and pepper to taste. Don't overcook them. Serve some scallions(green onions) on the side, or if you know what they are and can pick them, get a mess of ramps. It goes without saying that cornbread(no one I know would ever use "yellow" corn meal) and sorghum are a required side. You'll need to dress the ramps with some vinegar, if you serve them.

Now if you really want to get compliments, once the beans are done, leave them in the dutch oven and drain off most of the liquid (save this),douse them in sorghum, add a little homemade chili sauce, and bake them in the oven. I guarantee people will be licking the pot with their fingers to get every little bit. Cook up some collards(remember that liquid you judiciously saved?), and serve them with the beans and cornbread(of course) with some vinegar on the side to dress the collards to taste.

Bon appetite!