15 ounces black or pinto beans
3 strips bacon, minced
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
OR
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt to taste

Drain beans of excess liquid. Do not discard excess liquid. Fry bacon in skillet. When bacon is crisp, saute onion and garlic in bacon drippings (with bacon) till softened. If using onion powder, just add garlic at this time, cook and stir 2 minutes. Add onion powder at this time if using. Add beans. Mash well with a potato masher, as you fry them. Add a little reserved bean liquid if they get too dry. Water may also be added if there is not enough bean liquid. Salt to taste.