I discovered a bag of pinto beans today in my pantry thatI 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…