Happy 100th Arizona Statehood Day

I have some catch-up to do. Back in February, a family in our ward threw an Arizona party at their house and invited everyone who had lived in Arizona before to her house and to bring an Arizona-type dish to share. Alot of the more typical Mexican dishes were taken, but thankfully, my Dad sent me a recipe for this homemade refried bean dish....and if you even remotely like beans...you have to try this. The host of the party, when scooping out her seconds said, "Now this is something to write home about." Thanks Dad! In case you would like to try it:

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight in a large bowl with water to cover by 2-inches, and drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup bacon drippings or lard
• 1 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced, seeded jalapeno
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped oregano
• 1/2 cup grated queso blanco
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, garnish

Directions

In a medium, heavy pot, combine the beans, bay leaf, and enough water to cover by 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, adding more water as necessary to keep covered. When the beans are soft, mash in the pot with a potato masher or the back of heavy wooden spoon. Remove from the heat.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Add the beans and any cooking liquid from the pot, and the oregano, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring with a heavy wooden spoon, until the mixture forms a thick paste, 5 to 10 minutes, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time to keep from getting dry.
Remove from the heat and transfer to a decorative bowl. Sprinkle with the cheese and cilantro, and serve.

(I skipped the soak overnight step and just bought the pinto beans that come in the jar soaked in water). 

 And then I fried up some Indian fry bread.

 And brought butter, cinnamon, sugar, powdered sugar and honey for topping options.

 More grub. The best Mexican I've had since being in Ohio. (From true southwestern Natives).

 Taquitos, burritos, guacamole, refried beans, chips and salsa....

My lil' devil enjoying his cupcake. 

The adults played an Arizona trivia game and then a pictionary-type game.

Kyleigh did have a Phoenix suns shirt to match her pants, but she got it ruined right before we walked out the door to go to the party. That's alright, they still let us in the door. 

(Not so sure how they're going to look next season sans Nash).