Black Beans n Rice.... a comfort food meal

I love black beans and do not make them often enough! Pintos and anasazis are my go-to beans for most meals but every so often I have a hankerin' for good ole black beans.

I soak them overnight to get a head start..

saute onions, scallions and garlic in bacon drippings...

add smoked sausage for extra flavor....

Then the drained black beans...

Next comes chicken stock, a pinch each of thyme, basil, and oregano. Bay leaf....cayenne to taste.

Into the drum to catch some smoke and simmer til the beans are tender...

While the beans simmered, I made a skillet of jalapeno cornbread..

I like to add whole corn kernals, minced scallions and minced jalapenos to my cornbread batter..

I used my oven for this. lol I have an oven!

Added smoked pulled pork to the beans and let them go a bit longer...

I added more chicken stock when needed during the cook...

Seasoned with salt and pepper to taste...

Topped some hot rice with the smoked pork and black beans...

Added a bit more "juice" and called er good.

'

It reminds me of my childhood for some reason.  Maybe because it's filling, warming and my mom used to make something similar with rice. I don't make this often but when I do, I wonder what took me so long. lol

All is going well here. Still no rain but things could be worse. My critters are fat and happy. There are a few beautiful days mixed in with "rocks in your pockets so you won't blow away" days.

Hope everyone is staying healthy and happy.

Thanks for stopping by!