Mashed Black Beans

Yield: 12 servings

• 2 cups dried black beans, picked over and cleaned
• 3 slices hickory smoked bacon with drippings, cooked and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeńo chile, minced
• 6 cups rich chicken or ham stock
• Lime juice to taste
• Salt to taste

Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add first 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil, turn heat down to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour, or until liquid cooks down to just cover beans. Stir occasionally, adding stock if necessary. Remove from heat and cool. Place beans in a food processor and pulse to a chunky paste. Season with salt and lime juice.