Pioneer Woman’s Beans and Cornbread

INGREDIENTS

BEAN INGREDIENTS:

4 cups

dried pinto beans

slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch slices (or diced ham/ham hock instead)

1 tsp

salt (more, if desired)

2 tsp

black pepper (the powdery stuff is fine), more or less if desired

Optional seasonings: chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano

Optional garnishes: sour cream, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, grated cheese, chopped tomato

CORNBREAD INGREDIENTS:

1 cup

yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup

all-purpose flour

1 tsp

salt

1 tbsp

baking powder

1 cup

buttermilk

1/2 cup

milk

large egg

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/4 cup

+ 2 Tablespoons shortening

Optional addition: 1 small can of diced green chilies