Ain't That Peculiar

Charro Beans

In a late night browse through my recipe feed I came across this incredible use for pinto beans.  And coincidentally while I had a pound soaking in water over night.  I'd heard of them only a year or so ago, never had them but I am now ready to experience this.  I think now being in the East with lots of southern influence, I tend to go towards the ham hocks, smoked turkey necks, etc in flavoring a pot of beans.  But on the other side of the country, something equally fun is happening with legumes.

Another impossible accidental occurrence I couldn't have made happen if I tried was that I had all of these ingredients in my fridge.  (Soy) Chorizo, bacon, red onion, fresh tomatoes, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, cumin, onion powder & cilantro.

Boil up your beans like normal, here with just cold water onion and garlic. 

From Jauja Cocina Mexicana:  Excellent You Tube Channel for authentic recipes if you can get passed those bangs.  

Fry up your bacon, add the Chorizo, then garlic and onion, then the peppers, spices and finally the tomatoes. When it's all cooked together add the beans and most of the cooking liquid, boil until it reduces down, adjust the seasoning.  Too good!

Fanny doing a version of Ain't That Peculiar

Also in my feed was this video. An example of how one click can lead to a fun excursion and crash course in any direction.  Fanny, a band I've often wondered about, I knew the Runaways had thanked them early on for help paving the way but didn't know much more.  I was surprised to learn all about June and Jean Millington, the bands history and past members, the cred passed to them from the likes of Bowie, for example.  June's ability to do lead and rhythm is admirable. I don't love the band's vocal styling but I do love individual parts of their recordings and performances enough to be intrigued.  The drummer had flair and Jean reminds me a bit of Rick Danko on bass, who is super talented but his body can contort a bit clumsily when he's heavy into the beat.  Also they sort of lose control of their facial expressions, which I love for reasons unknown.  Ron Blair of the Heartbreakers had that too, maybe it's a bass player thing.   For me, June was best when she got a chance to go off into a lead in order to see her amazing gift for rhythm.