SOUTHWESTERN PINTO BEANS

LADYLEE

16 oz package Pinto Beans
1/2 lb bacon, cup up
2 cups (2 medium) chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Clean beans.  Cover with water (2 inches) and bring to a simmer.  Cook for 3  to 3 1/2 hours.  In a large skillet, fry the bacon until crisp.  Add bacon to beans.  In the bacon fat, slowly fly the onions and garlic until onions are tender.  Add onion mixture, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper and cumin to beans; stir well.  Simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.