REFRIED BEANS WITH BACON

Steps:

• Combine beans, water, garlic, tomato, and salt in slow cooker.
• Cover. Cook on high 5 hours, stirring occasionally. When the beans become soft, drain off some liquid.
• While the beans cook, brown bacon in skillet. Drain, reserving drippings. Crumble bacon. Add half of bacon and 3 tablespoons drippings to beans. Stir.
• Mash or puree beans with a food processor. Fry the mashed bean mixture in the remaining bacon drippings. Add more salt to taste.
• To serve, sprinkle the remaining bacon and shredded cheese on top of beans.
• VARIATIONS:.
• Instead of draining off liquid, add 1/3 cup dry minute rice and continue cooking about 20 minutes. Add a dash of hot sauce and a dollop of sour cream to individual servings.
• Instead of frying the mashed bean mixture, place several spoonfuls on flour tortillas; roll up, and serve.