Better than a Can (and I daresay Cafe Rio) Black Beans

Sort your black beans, getting rid of broken or mushy or shriveled ones. Rinse a few times and soak in cold water in the fridge overnight. (I soaked mine in the crock pot). In the morning, rinse a few more times. Cover with water and cook in your crockpot on low for four to six hours, or until desired tenderness. I read conflicting info on the internet about when to salt/season your beans. I compromise and let them cook for an hour or two, then dump in a bunch of minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.

These are great with http://afewthingsemilymade.blogspot.com/2011/04/salsa-chicken.html. They'd be great in anything you usually use black beans in. Happy Cinco de Mayo and Happy Birthday to all of my friends with May 5th birthdays. :)