I discovered a bag of pinto beans today in my pantry that I bought eons ago. No, dry goods don’t go bad to my knowledge, but still… I decided to whip them up. The smell transported me back to childhood and the safe haven of my Papa’s (grandfather’s) home. I am unsure what he put in his pot, but I am sure my version would have made him proud and laugh and say “What you know about that you city smart educated girl?” What is it about smells that can trigger memories so strong and real it feels like you’ve been transported back in time? What food scent takes you back to childhood?

• 1 bag pinto beans
• 1 jalapeno
• 1 medium onion
• 1 bay leaf
• a few pinches of Herb n’ farm
• 1 oversized roasted turkey leg (optional)

Preparation: I am old school so I soaked my beans overnight. Next day I pulse my onion and jalapeno and then dumped in a Dutch oven with a little olive oil, letting cook until translucent. Next drain and rinse the beans, then put them in a large pot. Cover the beans with water and add herb ‘n  farm, bay leaves, and let cook for several hours. Then I added in cooked turkey leg and let simmer for additional 20 minutes.