Black or White Bean Cakes

Yield: 10 to 12 cakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups dried pea beans or black beans
• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 3/4 cup milk or water
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
• 2 to 3 tablespoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight in cold water.
2. Drain and rinse beans, then place in a large saucepan with fresh water to cover. Cook over medium heat for about 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Drain and reserve.
3. In a bowl, combine cornmeal with milk, eggs and salt. Fold in beans and scallions. Form mixture into 2- to 3-inch patties.
4. Heat drippings on a griddle or in a large skillet. Fry cakes for 1 to 2 minutes per side over medium heat, until golden brown.
5. Serve hot or at room temperature.