Refried Beans

3 cups dried pintos
12 cups water
1 T salt
4 to 5 T butter

Cook beans in water with salt added until very soft, usually about 3 hours. After beans have cooked well heat a large frying pan with the butter. When butter is melted and pan is heated up, scoop out beans, with minimal liquid into frying pan and begin mashing with a potato masher. Add bean liquid as needed to get the consistency you want. Add more beans and liquid until the batch is finished (this amount can be halved or unused portions frozen). You may add additional salt if desired.